PL bosses support Houllier

Houllier: Given support by his managerial peers

Three Premier League managers have given their support to Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier after he was taken ill on Wednesday.

The Frenchman was admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties and will not be able to take his place on the touchline for Villa’s clash with Stoke on Saturday.

It is not the first time that Houllier has had to take time away from his job with health problems, following five months away from the dugout when he was managing Liverpool in 2001.

Following Kenny Dalglish and Tony Pulis’ warm words for the former Reds boss, Arsene Wenger, David Moyes and manager of bitter rivals Birmingham Alex McLeish have all sent their best wishes.

McLeish, who is a close friend of Houllier, admits the news came as a surprise as the 63-year-old appeared in good health.

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He said: “I hope all is well for Gerard. He has gone through a lot in his life.

“Since the (heart) operation, he has had a different perspective and seems cool and relaxed.

Stressful

“But you never know what goes on inside of people and this job is highly stressful because of the massive stakes in the Premier League.

“The League Managers Association provide 24-7 support. The job is stressful but people also need a challenge otherwise they will do nothing in their life.”

Everton boss Moyes, who was on the other side of Stanley Park for two years while Houllier was in charge of Liverpool until his departure in 2004, added: “I am saddened to hear about Gerard.

“He is a good friend and someone I got to know really well when he was manager at Liverpool.

“If you are listening Gerard, I hope you are well. Look after yourself, we are all thinking about you. I really do hope he is fine.”

Arsenal manager Wenger, who lost to Houllier’s Liverpool in the 2001 FA Cup final, also spoke glowingly of his fellow countryman, saying at a press conference on Friday: “Yes, completely my thoughts are with Gerard.

“You never know how unhealthy this job is but one thing you know is that it is not healthy. That is for sure. How much effect it has on everyone’s body is difficult to measure.”