Houllier sets survival target

07 March 2011 14:30

Gerard Houllier believes Aston Villa need a minimum of 10 more points to guarantee Barclays Premier League survival.

Villa are three points above the relegation zone after again failing to hold onto a lead in the 3-2 defeat at Bolton on Saturday. Houllier knows that an inability to close out games has been the difference between challenging for a European spot and their current predicament.

He said: "We are not safe. I keep my feet on the ground and we need 10 points minimum to be safe, I think."

Houllier added: "All games are important, we've only got 33 points and we've lost too many points on the way.

"We've lost something like 18 points when in front. Had we lost just half of those, we would be in a European spot at the moment."

Houllier, whose side are next in action against fellow strugglers Wolves on March 19, added: "It is going to be tight right to the end of the season.

"Every team from 35 points down to the bottom has got to work hard for the future. Every game is important.

"What is important is to play in the Premier League first and, in the future, the Champions League. That is the aim. That is the priority."

Source: PA