Source: Team_Talk
Houllier and Mac could work together
Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier could work alongside Kevin MacDonald in a director-of-football-type role if he takes the Aston Villa job.[LNB] Houllier has emerged as one of the leading contenders to replace Martin O'Neill who quit as manager three-and-a-half weeks ago.[LNB]Houllier has created a favourable impression with Villa owner Randy Lerner after being interviewed by the American multi-millionaire.[LNB]But the possibility of Houllier working alongside MacDonald rather being in charge solely in his own right is under strong consideration.[LNB]Former Liverpool midfielder MacDonald is widely respected in football circles for his coaching abilities and he has impressed during his five games in charge.[LNB]And Houllier may prefer a director-of-football-type role as he would not have to encounter the pressures of being in the dug-out after suffering a heart attack during his reign at Liverpool.[LNB]Lerner is likely to make an announcement about O'Neill's successor during the early part of next week ahead of Villa's next clash at Stoke on September 13.[LNB]Houllier, who is 63 today, left Anfield six years ago and has been employed as France's technical director since parting company with Lyon in 2007.[LNB]He enjoyed considerable initial success with the Reds and led them to a UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup treble in 2001.[LNB]Villa believe he has the reputation and CV to keep Villa on an upward curve after three successive top- six finishes in the Premier League.[LNB]Before he moved to Liverpool, he also enjoyed title success with Paris St Germain and spent a decade overseeing the development of French football.[LNB]Former West Ham boss Alan Curbishley and MacDonald have also been interviewed for the post by Lerner and Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner.[LNB]Roberto Donadoni is also intererested in the job.