Fabian Delph has defended Aston Villa manager’s Gerard Houllier decision to field a much changed team in the FA Cup tie at Manchester City.<\/p>\n
Houllier made eight alterations from the side he started against Blackburn for the Eastlands clash which Villa lost 3-0 – including playing Delph at left-back.<\/p>\n
It has left fans angry and venting their frustrations on message boards and radio phone-ins, particularly as local rivals Birmingham have won the Carling Cup.<\/p>\n
But Delph believes the players left out needed to recharge their batteries and that Houllier has been consistent in his policy of changing his line-ups all season.<\/p>\n
The former Leeds player, who signed a new four-year contract on Thursday, said: “We’re a very good squad and we’ve got a good squad of players.<\/p>\n
“The changes that got made, they needed to rest. They’ve been playing a lot of games this season.<\/p>\n
“The players that came in against Manchester City were more than capable of doing a job.<\/p>\n
“I don’t think it’s a case of that we played a weakened team. We played a strong team, players that have been playing all season.<\/p>\n
“The gaffer is confident in our ability and thinks we’re strong as a squad.<\/p>\n
“If he’s bringing players in, which he’s done all season, not just in the City game, I don’t see why it should be looked upon as a bad thing.<\/p>\n
“Let’s face it, we came up against a very good team in City. All of their players are internationals. They were just the better team on the night.”<\/p>\n
Delph added: “I can understand the fans, because they got into the finals and semi-finals of the two cup competitions last year. They are bound to be a bit upset.<\/p>\n
“They’re looking at the Blues as well, thinking that they’ve just won the Carling Cup.<\/p>\n
“We think we are a better team than them and we obviously haven’t done what they’ve done this season, so I think that’s what is getting to them the most.<\/p>\n
“Hopefully next season we can push on and do a lot better. The last few games we have looked a lot sharper and we have started to play together as a team.<\/p>\n
“If we can carry that on I think, hopefully with a few more players, it might spice it up a bit more.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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