Houllier apologizes for Anfield antics
Gerard Houllier has apologized to Aston Villa fans for his behavior at Anfield last Monday. Aston Villas’ 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Liverpool was not the only reason Houllier came under fire. The Villa manager touched the ‘This
is Anfield’ sign above the tunnel before stepping out to the pitch. After the match, he waved to the home fans, largely ignoring the traveling Villa supporters.
At the post-match press conference, the Frenchman got himself into more trouble, saying: ‘If I was going to lose 3-0 to anyone, it would be Liverpool as I like Liverpool.’ His actions and comments have landed him into trouble with
the Villa fan, who accuse him of ignoring his own teams' followers.
Houllier tried to explain himself in a statement issued a few days ago. At the press conference before Saturdays’ home game against West Brom, he apologized to the fans.
He said: ‘If the fans think (what I did) was to hurt them then I am sorry because this was not the case. It was just done in a humorous way and I am hurting as much they are. I was probably more hurt because it was Liverpool. If
it adds to the fans' dissatisfaction, they have to know this was not the case at all (to upset them). This was done in a sort of a humorous way. I am sorry. That's it. That's enough.”
Gerard Houllier was the Liverpool manager from 1998 to 2004, winning four trophies for the club during his time there. It was an emotional return to Anfield for the 63-year-old, who received a warm welcome from the home fans while
making his way to the pitch. However, the Frenchman has a new club to worry about now.
Aston Villa are in dire straits at the moment. The loss to Liverpool leaves them just 2 points above the relegation zone. The Villa boss is looking to put the incident behind him and trying to concentrate on the next match. After
all, there is no better way to regain the support of the fans than by returning to winning ways.
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