Source: PA
Houllier demands more focus from players
Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier admits his players must learn to handle the pressure better after sneaking a 3-2 victory over Blackpool.
The hosts went into the match at Villa Park desperate for three points after a run of five Barclays Premier League games without a win but they struggled, particularly in the first half, and needed an 89th-minute goal from James Collins to secure victory.
Houllier felt his players let the nerves get to them after draws against Fulham, Birmingham and Chelsea and defeats by Tottenham and Sunderland.
The Frenchman said: "The players have got to focus on the game and forget about the scoreboard. The players are responsible for the game and maybe (they underperformed) because we knew we were in need of points, never mind playing well.
"The only positive thing about this game is twice they equalised and we managed to keep our head up and go for the winner.
"We dropped 10 points. If you lose half of that, you're more comfortable, you're more relaxed. The first half we were too nervous, too tense."
