Gerard Houllier's Problems are Mounting as Key Players Fail to Perform

Filed under: Aston Villa, Liverpool, Premier League, Football

Before Gerard Houllier's emotional return to Liverpool on Monday, the Aston Villa manager insisted the good times are just around the corner for his former club. In the wake of Villa's defeat, their supporters are entitled to hear his prediction about the prospects of his own team.

Two wins from 12 matches have left Villa peering nervously over their shoulders at the relegation zone, with the 3-0 setback at Liverpool only the latest shambolic performance, emphatically proving that Houllier's honeymoon period - if indeed he ever had one - is well and truly finished.

Admittedly, a severe injury crisis has created problems Houllier can never have envisaged but far too many players that became key men under his predecessor Martin O'Neill are also struggling with a crisis of confidence.

Richard Dunne is a pale imitation of the defender who O'Neill described as a "colossus" last season. Brad Friedel's 39 years finally appear to be catching up with him while Ashley Young is playing like somebody agitating for a move away.


Houllier is already growing sick and tired of being asked about the problems of Stephen Ireland, so we'll leave that one. But something is also clearly wrong there.

 

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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/12/07/gerard-houlliers-problems-are-mounting-as-key-players-fail-to-p/

Steve Stricker Steven Gerrard Thierry Henry Thomaz Bellucci Tim Clark