Houllier backed by Gerrard

Reds ace full of praise for former boss

Last updated: 9th September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Houllier backed by Gerrard

Gerrard: Backing Houllier to impress

Aston Villa have got themselves a very good manager and I am not surprised Gerard has come back into the Premier League.

Steven Gerrard
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Steven Gerrard has tipped former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier to make an impact at Aston Villa.

Houllier was finally confirmed as Martin O'Neill's successor at Villa Park on Thursday after standing down from his post as technical director of the French Football Federation.

The Frenchman will be formally unveiled at a press conference at 2pm on Friday before taking the helm for the first time in Villa's Premier League clash at Stoke on Monday.

Gerrard was handed his Reds debut by Houllier over a decade ago, and the England captain has hailed the 63-year-old, who enjoyed a six-year stint at Anfield.

Close

"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," said Gerrard.

"Aston Villa have got themselves a very good manager and I am not surprised Gerard has come back into the Premier League.

"I know how much he loves football.

"He has been desperate to get back involved in the Premier League so it is no surprise to me."

He added: "It has been no surprise to me that Villa have been interested in him because he is a top manager.

"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.

"When he comes in, he knows what he wants, and he knows how to get a winning team.

"That showed by the five trophies we won under him."

Houllier endured health problems during the latter part of his time on Merseyside, with his assistant, Phil Thompson, having a spell in charge of the team.

But 30-year-old Gerrard is adamant the coach will not be hindered by similar concerns at Villa.

Superb

"I don't think health is a problem for Gerard," he added.

"I saw him a few days ago at the Jamie Carragher testimonial at Anfield and he looked superb.

"He looked really healthy and fresh. I asked him then if he was interested in Aston Villa and he said he was.

"I really don't think the health will be a problem. I think he will be fine."