New Aston Villa Manager Gerard Houllier Claims Job Offer Was 'Almost Irresistible' & Is Aiming For Silverware
Posted Saturday, September 11, 2010 by YAHOO Sport
Gerard Houllier has revealed the proposition to become Aston Villa manager was "almost irresistible" and has targeted "gradual progress" towards silverware.
Houllier, 63, agreed to succeed Martin O'Neill at the club this week after beginning negotiations to leave his post as technical director with the French Football Federation. With these talks yet to conclude, he will not be in the dugout for Monday's trip to play Stoke City.
Speaking at a press conference today, the ex-Liverpool boss described how the Villa hierarchy's ambition sold him on the move.
"I take great pride in my appointment as Aston Villa manager," Houllier said.
"Their ambition [from owner Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner] impressed me. For what they want to bring to the fans of the club and am delighted to now share that ambition with them and the fans.
"After Liverpool, after Lyon I had several offers and this Aston Villa offer came very late. It was a strong proposition and almost irresistible as it is a club with history, a record and a squad."
O'Neill guided the club to successive sixth placed finishes before quitting last month. Houllier intended to continue his work and stated his desire for silverware, but warned he wouldn't achieve it "overnight."
He said: "It is down to us to bring success, together, to the club and the fans.
"The club is healthy, has a vision of gradual progress and improvement. We won't achieve that overnight, but we want silverware.
"Every one is mentioning Champions League and Europe, but let's take it one step at a time.
"The way to success is not an easy walk."
The Ulsterman's resignation reportedly came as transfer funds dried up. Houllier, while happy with the current squad he has inherited, believes future purchases will be essential.
"We know we need at some stage to improve the team gradually. I think in January you don't always get the best [players], but obviously we prepare for the future," he stated.
"I am quite happy with the squad. Aston Villa must have good players as they finished in a Europa League position."
Houllier also confirmed that caretaker manager Kevin McDonald would be returning to his position in charge of the reserves. The Frenchman's assistant at Liverpool, Phil Thompson, rejected the same job at Villa and he insisted he understood the decision.
"Phil would have been fantastic. I've known him quite a long time and we work well together," the ex-Lyon supremo continued.
"He decided [to not join me], for various reasons which I respect."
Houllier, 63, agreed to succeed Martin O'Neill at the club this week after beginning negotiations to leave his post as technical director with the French Football Federation. With these talks yet to conclude, he will not be in the dugout for Monday's trip to play Stoke City.
Speaking at a press conference today, the ex-Liverpool boss described how the Villa hierarchy's ambition sold him on the move.
"I take great pride in my appointment as Aston Villa manager," Houllier said.
"Their ambition [from owner Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner] impressed me. For what they want to bring to the fans of the club and am delighted to now share that ambition with them and the fans.
"After Liverpool, after Lyon I had several offers and this Aston Villa offer came very late. It was a strong proposition and almost irresistible as it is a club with history, a record and a squad."
O'Neill guided the club to successive sixth placed finishes before quitting last month. Houllier intended to continue his work and stated his desire for silverware, but warned he wouldn't achieve it "overnight."
He said: "It is down to us to bring success, together, to the club and the fans.
"The club is healthy, has a vision of gradual progress and improvement. We won't achieve that overnight, but we want silverware.
"Every one is mentioning Champions League and Europe, but let's take it one step at a time.
"The way to success is not an easy walk."
The Ulsterman's resignation reportedly came as transfer funds dried up. Houllier, while happy with the current squad he has inherited, believes future purchases will be essential.
"We know we need at some stage to improve the team gradually. I think in January you don't always get the best [players], but obviously we prepare for the future," he stated.
"I am quite happy with the squad. Aston Villa must have good players as they finished in a Europa League position."
Houllier also confirmed that caretaker manager Kevin McDonald would be returning to his position in charge of the reserves. The Frenchman's assistant at Liverpool, Phil Thompson, rejected the same job at Villa and he insisted he understood the decision.
"Phil would have been fantastic. I've known him quite a long time and we work well together," the ex-Lyon supremo continued.
"He decided [to not join me], for various reasons which I respect."
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