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."
Maybe he can do the same with Sidwell!
Yep,the last two seasons could've ended differently if NRC was put in with Milner at the expense of the tiring Petrov.
Quote from: kipeye on October 23, 2010, 09:56:27 AMMaybe he can do the same with Sidwell! GH isn't a miracle worker.
Quote from: garyshawsknee on October 23, 2010, 10:16:08 AMYep,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.
Quote from: John M on October 23, 2010, 10:18:35 AMQuote from: garyshawsknee on October 23, 2010, 10:16:08 AMYep,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?