Houllier thrilled with impact of "blossoming" Reo-Coker

[N'ZMAV]

Gerard Houllier impressed with Nigel Reo-Coker.

Nigel Reo-Coker heads into this afternoon's clash with Sunderland with a ringing endorsement from boss Gerard Houllier who believes the all-action midfielder has "blossomed" under his stewardship.

Reo-Coker has become a real rock in the centre since Houllier's arrival in the Villa Park hotseat, after cutting a peripheral figure in the previous campaign.

And the Villa boss has been thrilled with the shielding role he has been performing for the side in midfield.


He said: "I am trying to improve the collective aspect of the team at the moment.

"I am working on how far we can push the team playing the football we have been. Every manager has a philosophy and I am working on that at the moment.

"For instance, some players in this situation have revealed themselves.

"Nobody could argue the fact Nigel has changed. He has become a different player.

"I trust him - very much. He is doing a good job for the team.

"I am not asking him to score goals. I didn't blame him for missing the goal [against Chelsea]. It would have been more of a problem if it'd been one of my strikers.

"Nigel can do that though, as well. He proved it by being in that situation to score in the first place.

"But in the job he is doing, he seems to have blossomed.

"He has bought a lot to the team as the midfield shield for the defence. That's a fact."

Houllier revealed one of the key aspects of his philosophy is playing with freedom when in possession and working hard to win the ball back when not.

He believes that is starting to shine through.

He added: "I enjoy it every day. My staff and myself really get on well. We know the view, we know what we want to do.

"But I must give credit to the players. They have seemed to take on what we are doing.

"When we have the ball I want them to feel free. It's when you lose the ball that you need discipline, quick reaction, early defending and pressing.

"But when you have the ball I don't want a player thinking 'I am not allowed to cross the halfway line.'

"The main thing is making an entertaining game that players enjoy to play - and supporters enjoy watching.

"I am confident together the squad - the players and the staff - whatever the result, if we keeping working at it all the time at some stage it will pay off."

Houllier is adamant his players will be going all-out to win this afternoon at the Stadium of Light, insisting a "fighting, competitive spirit" is part of his football value system.

He added: "We go into every game to win it.

"I am sure the opposition have the same thought.

"I'd be surprised if one manager said to his players 'ok you can lose that game' - whether it's four-a-side, a friendly, any game.

"You've got to win. To be a fighter and a competitor is part of my values.

"Sunderland are a difficult side. I am looking forward to it. It's a test but every game is a test."

[Shrek]

I'm thrilled aswell I honestly think we would have won quite a few more points if he would have played regularly the last couple of seasons.

[darren woolley]

Carry on the good work NRC.

[citizenDJ]

I have to agree with most of what he says about NRC there. I'm a pretty big fan of his and have always thought that, if used in a specific way, he could be a great asset to the team; fingers crossed, it seems to be working at the moment.

[Rancid custard]

What he said.

[tim]

I'm happy to admit I wasn't excited by his arrival originally but have been more than happy ever since. NRC never seems anything but committed and enthusiastic which is always great to see.

[N'ZMAV]

His passing has also improved.

[kipeye]

It is a little too early to tell if this is any meaningful progression from manager or player, but it is a good sign that GH is talking up a player who previously under performed as he has done so far with Emile.
Can Nigel progress to the next level is the key. So far so good. He was definitely not outclassed against a team that had scored seven against us.
Maybe he can do the same with Sidwell!

[Concrete John]

I was always an advocate of putting NRC back in the team under Martin - not using him more was a mistake, IMO.  You just need to understand his limitations and get him playing to his strengths and you've got a useful player on your hands.

[N'ZMAV]

Maybe he can do the same with Sidwell!

GH isn't a miracle worker.       

[garyshawsknee]

Yep,the last two seasons could've ended differently if NRC was put in with Milner at the expense of the tiring Petrov.

[Concrete John]

Yep,the last two seasons could've ended differently if NRC was put in with Milner at the expense of the tiring Petrov.

Exactly.

Playing a poorer side at home who are after a draw?  Play Petrov.
Away and think you need more defensive strength?  NRC comes in.   
 

[Shrek]

Maybe he can do the same with Sidwell!

GH isn't a miracle worker.       

yes he is, could you have imagined everyone having their fingers crossed over Emile's fitness last season.

[rutski]

Yep,the last two seasons could've ended differently if NRC was put in with Milner at the expense of the tiring Petrov.

Exactly.

Playing a poorer side at home who are after a draw?  Play Petrov.
Away and think you need more defensive strength?  NRC comes in.   
 

wasnt the player of the year the season before last stan petrov?

[Concrete John]

Yep,the last two seasons could've ended differently if NRC was put in with Milner at the expense of the tiring Petrov.

Exactly.

Playing a poorer side at home who are after a draw?  Play Petrov.
Away and think you need more defensive strength?  NRC comes in.   
 

wasnt the player of the year the season before last stan petrov?

Yes, and he's a very good footballer.  However that doesn't mean he should be untouchable and guaranteed a place, especially when NRC's energy was needed centrally.