Pulis wary of Houllier effect

Potters boss feels Villa players will have point to prove

Last updated: 9th September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Pulis wary of Houllier effect

Pulis: Wary of new manager

It is always tough when a new manager walks in through the door because the players are on their toes and trying to impress the new manager in charge.

Tony Pulis
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Stoke manager Tony Pulis admits he will be cautious of a side out to impress new boss Gerard Houllier when his side take on Aston Villa.

Pulis' men will entertain Villa at the Britannia Stadium on Monday night, marking Frenchman Houllier's first game in charge of the Midlands club and the third time in as many years the Potters have had to contend with the 'new manager' factor.

And Pulis says he is expecting a testing clash against a team with a point to prove to Martin O'Neill's successor Houllier, who was unveiled as manager at Villa Park on Wednesday.

Tough

"It is always tough when a new manager walks in through the door because the players are on their toes and trying to impress the new manager in charge," said Pulis.

"It has happened to us quite a bit, over the years we've had this changeover a few times, but you have to take it on the chin.

He added: "But I'm not really worried about Aston Villa, I'm just concerned about this club.

"Whatever happens outside, happens outside - I can't affect it so why worry about it.

"If you look at teams too deeply sometimes you can worry your players to death."

Pulis believes counterpart Houllier has been lucky to inherit a Villa side in good shape, and believes he will benefit from the hard work O'Neill did in assembling the squad.

Surprised

"They are a good team. Martin did an amazing job at Villa and I was as surprised as anyone when he left," said Pulis.

"But Gerard is experienced in the Premier League with Liverpool where he did a smashing job.

"I think he is walking into a football club which has top players and he has been very fortunate to get a great club.

"The only time I can remember speaking to Gerard was two years ago at the France Under-21 game in Nottingham and he seemed a nice chap."