Gerard Houllier: Robert Pires was not fit enough for the Premier League when I signed him

10 January 2011 10:03
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier admits he made a mistake in playing veteran midfielder Robert Pires immediately after his short-term move to the midlands club.[LNB]Getting back in the swing: Robert Pires (right) helped Villa to victory at Sheffield United[LNB]Pires had not played any competitive football for seven months before joining Villa, but the 37-year-old instantly became involved and struggled to make an impact.[LNB]He was then left out of the side and questioned his lack of involvement and also feared Villa could be relegated.[LNB]But Houllier is adamant there is no problem between him and the former Arsenal star who played 65 minutes of Saturday's FA Cup win at Sheffield United.[LNB]Houllier said: 'I think it (what he said) was taken out of context. He came to see me on Friday night. He said on the radio that he was happy not to play.[LNB]'I said "it's a good job that you are happy not to play because if a player is happy not to play, he doesn't deserve to be on the bench."[LNB]'In fairness when he came here, I probably played him a bit too early.[LNB]'I admit that because it took him about three or four weeks to step up. Now he is getting better.'[LNB]Houllier added: 'Robert admitted as well that the pace and physicality of the game has gone up. He's got to put up with that.[LNB]'He has been better in training and we will need him sometimes to keep the ball.'[LNB] Aston Villa offer Reo-Coker in fresh bid to land Newcastle midfielder BartonFA Cup fourth round draw: Saints land plum tie against Manchester United Pires slams under fire boss Houllier and predicts relegation for VillaSheffield United 1 Aston Villa 3: Walker and Albrighton lift gloom for HoullierFA Cup draw: Giant-killers County banking on TV to deliver big paydayClub-by-club guide to every Premier League transfer deal during JanuaryAll the latest Aston Villa news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB][LNB]  Explore more:People: Robert Pires, Gerard Houllier

Source: Daily_Mail