Gerard Houllier

[Nev]

Although we are talking from a perspective of speculation and rumour, it would appear that we may be returning to the fundamental issues that influenced the events of the summer. Players on high wages not being utilised.

Although those that run the club, and ultimately hold the purse strings have a right to put across a point of view, the manager must be allowed to manage. Within that players will inevitably loose from or fall out with the manager and therefore their presence in the team will be seen as counterproductive. If a return to form or resolution cannot be found than the player must move on. The opportunity for this is limited so it may be that you have players doing nothing on huge salaries for some time.

It is assumed that this was the centre of the argument between MON and the club, no more funds until you sell. Fair enough, a parting of the ways. But an insistance on these players being involved is a different matter altogether.

I see no reason for Dunne, Ireland or Carew to be anywhere near an already fragile squad unless there has been a huge change in attitude or fitness. Or, of course, we are short on numbers.

[eastie]

i have no problem with randy telling houllier if he isnt using certain players to get rid of them but telling him that have to be picked would be totally out of order if true.

[garyshawsknee]

i have no problem with randy telling houllier if he isnt using certain players to get rid of them but telling him that have to be picked would be totally out of order if true.

 I agree,gotta be b.s . Its something even Doug wouldnt have done!!

[Chris Smith]

This is what the manager says (from the Mail):

Gerard Houllier will welcome defender Richard Dunne back into his plans for the Stamford Bridge clash against Chelsea.

Dunne was involved in an alleged training ground bust-up with assistant manager Garry McAllister over tactics although this has been played down by Houllier.

He said: "Dunne is back because his performances have improved in training.

"He was never out of the team because of some bust-up I was reading about.

"He had a word which lasted half a second with Macca (McAllister). I took him out of team because he was under performing and he was not the only one.

"I have watched all the training he has done and I think I'll give him the chance."

Midfielder Stephen Ireland could also soon return to the fold after being urged to "work harder" by Houllier.

Houllier said: "With Stephen, we will see. I have been pleased with him.

"He has a different attitude to the beginning so he will be soon back.

"But I've got to find a balance in the team at the same time. I've got Agbonlahor, Young, Heskey, Downing, who all are attacking type players."

[eastie]

interesting words - lets hope they can deliver on the pitch as a good performance would give everyone a lift- chelsea have been poor recently and this is a good time to rediscover our form.

[Nev]

I shall, as ever, remain highly sceptical but if Hou has seen enough to warrant involving Dunne and Ireland then fair enough. Thats his job, and after Tuesday, few players would have cause for complaint should they find themselves out of the side.

They might be a bit miffed if Dunne blunders around like parks player full of Brew XI and Ireland strolls around like a tourist though.

[eastie]

interesting if dunne does play whether he leaves out cuellar or collins, although if dunne was dropped for his displays it makes you wonder how the hell warnock has kept his place in the team!

[Villa'Zawg]

Pires interview in L'Equipe, comment on player relations and Dunne in particular.

On sait les relations tendues entre Houllier et Dunn notamment. Peut-on parler de malaise dans le vestiaire ?

Je ne peux pas cacher qu'il y a une rupture avec certains joueurs avec lesquels Gérard Houllier n'entretient pas les meilleures relations possibles. Cette mauvaise ambiance, on la ressent dans le vestiaire et je peux vous assurer que tout le monde est à cran. Je sens de la démotivation, mais c'est normal étant donné la situation. Nous avons cinq mois pour nous réveiller et ne pas descendre. On n'a plus le choix !

Google translation

We know the strained relations between Houllier and especially Dunn. Can we talk of unease in the dressing room?

I can not hide that there is a break with some players with whom Gerard Houllier does not have the best relations possible. This bad feeling is the feeling in the dressing room and I can assure you that everyone is on edge. I feel the motivation, but that is normal given the situation. We have five months to wake up and not down. We have no choice!

L'Equipe - Clicky

Can anyone offer a decent translation of this;

"Le club est en grands travaux. Avec l'arrivée de Gérard Houllier, il a fallu tout reconstruire. La mayonnaise Houllier ne prend pas - encore - et ça se voit sur le terrain. Nous ne gagnons plus et nous nous rapprochons dangereusement de la zone de relégation. Le coach doit refaire ses preuves."

[eastie]

im sick of reading different articles by players and quotes coming out of the club -surely as mobile phones are banned and other strict rules apply then we should also stop players from giving stories to the press.

[citizenDJ]

Pires interview in L'Equipe, comment on player relations and Dunne in particular.

Well, that's just super. Thanks, Robert!

[damon loves JT]

"Le club est en grands travaux. Avec l'arrivée de Gérard Houllier, il a fallu tout reconstruire. La mayonnaise Houllier ne prend pas - encore - et ça se voit sur le terrain. Nous ne gagnons plus et nous nous rapprochons dangereusement de la zone de relégation. Le coach doit refaire ses preuves."

The club is under major repair. On Gerard's arrival, everything had to be rebuilt. Things aren't gelling for Houllier - yet - and that's obvious on the pitch. We're not winning any more and we're getting dangerously close to the relegation zone. The coach has to demonstrate the skills he's shown in the past.

[Villa'Zawg]

"Le club est en grands travaux. Avec l'arrivée de Gérard Houllier, il a fallu tout reconstruire. La mayonnaise Houllier ne prend pas - encore - et ça se voit sur le terrain. Nous ne gagnons plus et nous nous rapprochons dangereusement de la zone de relégation. Le coach doit refaire ses preuves."

The club is under major repair. On Gerard's arrival, everything had to be rebuilt. Things aren't gelling for Houllier - yet - and that's obvious on the pitch. We're not winning any more and we're getting dangerously close to the relegation zone. The coach has to demonstrate the skills he's shown in the past.

Merci.

[citizenDJ]

"Le club est en grands travaux. Avec l'arrivée de Gérard Houllier, il a fallu tout reconstruire. La mayonnaise Houllier ne prend pas - encore - et ça se voit sur le terrain. Nous ne gagnons plus et nous nous rapprochons dangereusement de la zone de relégation. Le coach doit refaire ses preuves."

The club is under major repair. On Gerard's arrival, everything had to be rebuilt. Things aren't gelling for Houllier - yet - and that's obvious on the pitch. We're not winning any more and we're getting dangerously close to the relegation zone. The coach has to demonstrate the skills he's shown in the past.

That's rather interesting, actually - 'everything had to be rebuilt'. I wonder if he means just as a result of the impact of MON's sudden leaving, or at a deeper level (as in, something that had built up over the last few years).

[taylorsworkrate]

A fair assessment?

The Guardian - Fans' fractured faith..... - Clicky

A very fair, and accurate summing up in my view.

Yeah, about as spot on as it gets.

[KevinGage]

See this bothers me.

I accept any new manager will come in and have his own ideas.

Certain players who enjoyed a long run under the previous manager won't suddenly enjoy the same privileged position. Or good players who were used to playing a certain way have to adapt or spend time out of the side. For others, their face might just not fit anymore.

No real problem with any of that.

But it was widely accepted going into last summer that we were one, possibly two players away from having a really good side. Most pointed to the absence of a top forward and a midfielder who can open sides up as the only real gaps in the side.

Now it's supposedly a full scale rebuilding job required.

Two points

(A) I'm not convinced we actually need wholesale changes

and

(B) If we did need a major rebuilding job done, I'm not sure GH is the guy I'd want doing it.

It just sounds like another pre prepared excuse as far as I can see. Now the injuries are out the way, it's a case of "you can't fully judge me until I have rebuilt the entire squad."