Source: Team_Talk
Stevie Geed by Houllier appointment
Steven Gerrard is backing his former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier to be successful at Aston Villa.[LNB] Houllier has finally been confirmed as Martin O'Neill's successor after quitting as technical director of the French Football Federation.[LNB]He is expected to be formally unveiled at a press conference tomorrow before taking charge for the first time in Monday's league encounter at Stoke.[LNB]Houllier gave Gerrard his debut at Anfield more than a decade ago and the England skipper has nothing but praise for the Frenchman who spent six years on Merseyside.[LNB]He told Press Association Sport: "I've still got quite a close relationship with Gerard. He gave me my chance at the top level and I certainly learnt an awful lot from him.[LNB]"Aston Villa have got themselves a very good manager and I am not surprised Gerard has come back into the Premier League.[LNB]"I know how much he loves football.[LNB]"He has been desperate to get back involved in the Premier League so it is no surprise to me."[LNB]The 30-year-old added: "It has been no surprise to me that Villa have been interested in him because he is a top manager.[LNB]"We had a magnificent year in 2001. He came in and had to change an awful lot of things at Liverpool and that is what he is good at.[LNB]"When he comes in, he knows what he wants, and he knows how to get a winning team.[LNB]"That showed by the five trophies we won under him."[LNB]Houllier suffered with health problems during the latter part of his time with the Reds which led to his assistant, Phil Thompson, having a spell in charge of the team.[LNB]But Gerrard insisted: "I don't think health is a problem for Gerard.[LNB]"I saw him a few days ago at the Jamie Carragher testimonial at Anfield and he looked superb.[LNB]"He looked really healthy and fresh. I asked him then if he was interested in Aston Villa and he said he was.[LNB]"I really don't think the health will be a problem. I think he will be fine."[LNB]Houllier is hoping to appoint one of his former Liverpool backroom staff - Patrice Bergues - at Villa Park.[LNB]Bergues also worked alongside Houllier at Lens and Lyon at club level as well as with the French Football Federation in the late 1990s.[LNB]Houllier had wanted to bring in Phil Thompson, his number two at Anfield as assistant-manager, but he has opted to remain in his role as a pundit with Sky Sports.[LNB]Houllier will take charge of Villa for the first time at Stoke on Monday after being unveiled tomorrow.[LNB]But before then he will meet the players - including skipper Stiliyan Petrov, Luke Young and James Collins who all backed caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald to become new manager.[LNB]MacDonald's role under the new regime has still to be confirmed by Villa.[LNB]
