Reports explain that the delay in Aston Villa’s presentation of Gerard Houllier as the club’s new coach is due to a simple reason. The 63-year-old man, who managed Lyon between 2005 and 2007, has a few things to sort out with the French FA as FFF President Fernando Duchaussoy clarified:
“On Wednesday, I’ll meet with Gerard. We want to take a stock of the situation with him. I’d like to keep working with him.”
So once things get sorted out, Aston Villa should officially announce their capture of Gerard Houllier who then replaces Martin O’Neil. In terms of his preferences, the ex-Liverpool coach wants to reunite with current Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson and make him his assistant manager. Houllier and Thompson had a successful year working together back in 2001 as they led Liverpool to win the FA Cup, UEFA Cup, and League Cup treble.
However, there are only slim chances that Thompson will join the French man at Aston Villa since he is reportedly unwilling to quit his position at Sky Sports. In this case, caretaker Kevin MacDonald could relish the opportunity of remaining at Villa Park by eventually becoming the club’s assistant coach.
Now just as Gerard Houllier is about to assume his responsibilities at Aston Villa, one of the team’s former managers – Jozef Venglos – has revealed how optimistic he was about the French man’s chances to succeed with the Villains. Jozef Venglos, who took charge of English Premier League side Aston Villa about 20 years ago, was quoted as saying by The Sun:
“I’m sure that Aston Villa and Gerard Houllier are right for each other. 
It’s a very good, well-run football club. Gerard is an excellent, experienced coach… so they’ll work well together.
“He has very good contacts and I know him well through my involvement with UEFA and FIFA. I’ve met him many times, and I respect him very much. He has shown his qualities in different countries. I think he’ll do a good job.”
Gerard Houllier’s first test with Aston Villa will come on Monday. The 63-year-old boss will guide his new club in a English Premier League match away to Stoke City. Aston Villa are 4th in the table standings at the moment with two wins from three games.
However, their shocking 6-0 defeat against Newcastle the other time has affected their goal difference which is eventually of (-2). A great start for Gerard Houllier will help Aston Villa keep pace with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United at the top of the English Premier League table as the Villains aim to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Visit the Stoke City vs Aston Villa Live Streaming and TV Schedule page. This English Premier League fixture is set to kick off at 3:00pm on Monday, September 13.
