Houllier stands up to critics

20 March 2011 10:30

Gerard Houllier told Aston Villa fans 'I know what I'm doing' after coming under fire from the terraces after the 1-0 home reversal against Wolves.

Houllier admits the level of hostility towards him was a new experience in his career after Matt Jarvis' goal sucked Villa into the Barclays Premier League relegation battle. Fans chanted "we want Houllier out" at the final whistle and also questioned his substitution of midfielder Marc Albrighton midway through the second period.

Houllier said: "I shared the fans' frustrations. They are not happy with me and I'm not happy with what we are doing at the moment. This is what happens when you don't get the results. You have to live with that."

He added: "The hostility was not something I have really faced before. It is completely new but I can live with that.

"The fans need to support the team. What we want is the fans to back the team and at the moment we are going through a difficult period. The season has gone that way."

Houllier remains convinced that Villa will climb clear of the bottom three despite their latest setback.

He said: "I told the players we have eight Champions League games left to play.

"I think we will do it. I am convinced we have everything it takes.

"We have quality in the team but at the moment it just doesn't go our way.

"I think the boys tried hard, created enough chances to at least get an equaliser."

Source: PA