Source: Daily_Mail
Gerard Houllier under threat at Aston Villa over fans backlash
Gerard Houllier's position at Aston Villa is under serious threat after just three months, with a high-ranking director admitting the club's fans had the right to call for his sacking following the Frenchman's shambolic return to Anfield. [LNB]General Charles Krulak, the right-hand man of Villa owner Randy Lerner, was moved to post a response on a website after a vicious backlash by supporters to a limp performance on Merseyside. [LNB]As if suffering a feeble 3-0 defeat on Monday night wasn't enough, Villa fans were also fuming at Houllier's fawning towards his former club both before the match and after the final whistle. [LNB] Under pressure: Gerard Houllier is under serious threat just three months after taking charge at Aston Villa[LNB]Villa's boss touched the 'This is Anfield' sign before kick-off,saluted the Kop for a banner marking his return and failed toacknowledge the 1,500 travelling fans who had braved sub-zerotemperatures to make the trip north. [LNB]As if it were possible, he also further upset Villa during apost-match interview by saying: 'If I have to lose 3-0, then I'd preferit to be to them as I like Liverpool.' [LNB]Enlarge Villa internet forums were flooded with negative messages about amanager who has won just two matches in the Barclays Premier Leaguesince succeeding Martin O'Neill in September. [LNB]And the no-show at Anfield, coming as it did less than a week afterVilla were sent crashing out of the Carling Cup by Birmingham City, hadVietnam war veteran Krulak pulling no punches. [LNB]'Those who are looking for Gerard Houllier's head, who are askingthat he be fired have the right to feel that way,' he said. [LNB]'They buythe tickets and they can say what they want.' [LNB]In the wake of the backlash, Villa took the unusual step yesterday of issuing a statement by the manager. [LNB]'Everyone is hurting because of recent results and both I and mystaff are working hard to put this right,' said the Frenchman. [LNB]'The comments I made in the immediate aftermath of the defeat by Liverpool have been misconstrued. [LNB]'The experiences I enjoyed with Liverpool some years ago will alwaysstay with me. I understand the Villa fans' feelings of hurt anddisappointment. I'm hurting as much as anyone. I say emphatically thatwe will battle through. [LNB]'Building lasting success at Aston Villa is my focus and my commitment is resolute.' [LNB]First blood: David Ngog puts Liverpool en route to a 3-0 defeat of Villa[LNB]Even those words did not attract a particularly encouraging responsefrom Krulak, who responded: 'I know his comments and actions on Mondayevening seem at odds with his statement. [LNB]'Nothing can be done to retract what has happened. But there is notone single person at Villa Park who doesn't understand where we areright now. We have a good portion of the season ahead of us. We mustnot throw the towel in.' [LNB]Not happy: Villa owner Randy Lerner's right-hand man, General Charles Krulak[LNB]Lerner, along with chief executive Paul Faulkner, discussed thecurrent position over lunch with Houllier and his assistant, GaryMcAllister. [LNB]There was an acceptance from the club's manager that he had beencaught up in the emotion of a return to the stadium where he oncesuffered a heart problem and officials were keen to draw a line underthe situation. [LNB]There was no suggestion or hint from Lerner that Houllier himselfwas under pressure as they chatted about the club's slump. Indeed,transfer targets were mulled over and Villa's boss gave Lerner furtherupdates on his progress as the American billionaire looked for answersas to why there has been such a rapid deterioration in a squad thatfinished sixth last season. [LNB]Despite this reassurance, with a resurgent West Bromwich Albion dueat Villa Park this Saturday, disaffected supporters will want to see arapid improvement in performance levels. [LNB]Irrespective of the owner's relationship with Houllier, Villa's fansstill hold a huge degree of influence and another insipid showingagainst Roberto Di Matteo's side will only fan the flames as far asVilla's manager is concerned.[LNB] Houllier: I was only joking when I said losing at Liverpool was acceptableNeil Moxley: Bad luck, but Houllier has not helped himself at Villa...Downing tells Aston Villa to stand up and fight after Liverpool humblingJuventus prepared to let Sissoko go to Aston Villa but giants will ask for £6mASTON VILLA FC
