Robert Pires reveals tensions at Aston Villa under Gérard Houllier

Posted Saturday, January 08, 2011 by theguardian.com

Robert Pires reveals tensions at Aston Villa under Gérard Houllier
Robert Pires has started just one game at Aston Villa since joining Gérard Houllier's side in November.

Robert Pires has lifted the lid on the current turmoil at Aston Villa, saying the atmosphere at the club is "tense and electric" as players struggle to get used to the methods of the manager Gérard Houllier.

Pires also voiced his own frustration at having started just one game since arriving at Villa in mid-November, saying that Houllier does not trust him to perform.

"With some players, the atmosphere is tense and electric. Not with the whole group, but with some," Pires told the French radio station, RMC.

"Houllier, has brought a new culture, another way of working. When you're in a routine and it all changes in a flash, you can find it hard to accept.

"On top of that, we are not winning. So it's complicated for everyone and I have arrived in the middle of all that."

Pires, 37, joined Villa as a free agent in November having left the Spanish club Villarreal last summer, but has so far played a total of just 117 minutes for Villa in five appearances, with only one as a starter.

That came against his former club Arsenal in a 4-2 home defeat in November, when Houllier substituted him at half-time with Villa trailing 2-0.

"It's not easy," added Pires, who won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups in his time at Arsenal. "I'm on the bench and I can't help the team because I'm not playing.

"I don't have the trust of Gérard Houllier and I don't understand it. I think I will go and talk to him.

"However, I am still putting in a lot of effort. I don't have any regrets and I will keep waiting. I will carry on working.

"Even though I am a little disappointed, it's because I want to play and help my team-mates. It's frustrating."

Pires may get his wish for more first-team action tomorrow, with Houllier set to rotate his squad for Villa's FA Cup third-round tie at Sheffield United.