Gerard Houllier is a changed man insists Gary McAllister

GARY McALLISTER says Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier is a changed man from the manager who left Anfield six years ago.The former Scottish midfielder enjoyed a dream spell with Houllier at Liverpool and will return tonight in his role as Villa's assistant coach.McAllister was part of the Reds' treble-winning side in 2001 and was in the dressing room when Houllier suffered the heart problems which nearly killed him.The 45-year-old says the Frenchman is now a much more relaxed figure. 'Ask anyone who has worked under Alex Ferguson, they will say he has definitely mellowed,' he said.'You can't work at that intensity for ever and ever. I've noticed a mellowing there with Gerard, but he is still first here, and still last away.'Around the training ground, his experience tells him there is another perspective and not to panic rather than working away at 100mph all the time.'His incident must be a factor as well. That was scary. I was in the dressing room.'We didn't know the severity of it at the time.'He is still ultra-professional though, very thorough, probably the hardest worker I have ever met.'

Source: Liverpool_Echo