BIRMINGHAM (DF) -- Aston Villa's under-pressure manager Gerard Houllier has hit back at critics who have suggested there is a sense of disharmony emanating from his squad by declaring the club are a united front, despite allegations of training ground bust-ups, player rebellions, and binge drinking.
The Villa boss has been under the gun since taking over from Martin O'Neill at the start of the season, due in part to his inability to replicate the Northern Irishman's success. Frenchman Houllier has struggled to retain control of his players and appears to have lost the support of Villa supporters, with many in the terraces during the 1-0 home defeat to local rivals Wolves calling for him to be sacked.
"Everyone is entitled to think what they want but I took the job because it was a challenge," said the former Lyon manager. "The challenge is bigger now because of what happened but sometimes you battle to get in Europe or a cup. Sometimes you dig yourself a hole and you have to dig deeper to find a way out."
In spite of a tsumani of negative press suggesting rampant player discontent, several senior Villa players have taken to the media in recent days to lend support to their besieged manager. American goalkeeper Brad Friedel claimed the Villa squad are fully behind Houllier and remain committed to the task at hand.
"We're all professionals," said stalwart Friedel. "The players are only thinking about keeping the club in the Premier League. We don't have time to worry about our odd tactics, who's going to be manager next week, why we're taking trips to spas during the middle of the season, or why, with such a talented squad, we're not pushing for Europe. Right now, staying up is our one and only concern."
"We just have to hang in there for eight more games," lamented the experienced American. "Whatever happens after that will happen. It's not in our hands. Until we're told to say otherwise, everyone here is behind the manager 100%."
