Gerard Houllier insists he’ll have no problem working with players he has managed previously when he finally takes charge at Aston Villa.
Defender Stephen Warnock and goalkeeper Brad Friedel played under Houllier at Liverpool, while the Frenchman managed striker John Carew at Lyon.
Warnock and Friedel’s first-team opportunities were limited at Anfield while Houllier allowed Carew to leave Lyon and join Villa.
Houllier said: ‘At Jamie Carragher’s testimonial last weekend, I came across a few players that had left during my time at Liverpool.
‘There was not a problem and there will be no problem here. Stephen Warnock was too young [at Liverpool]. Brad, I got on very well with. Don’t forget, Brad had to leave because we couldn’t renew his work permit. As for John Carew, he is an outstanding talent.’
Houllier was due to meet the Villa players yesterday before flying back home to tie up the loose ends with the French Football Federation after quitting as their technical director.
Caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald will, therefore, take charge for Monday’s league match at Stoke, for which midfielder Stephen Ireland (hamstring) is a doubt.
MacDonald will again be at the helm for next Saturday’s home match with Bolton, although Houllier hopes to attend that game.
Houllier revealed: ‘If all goes to plan the Carling Cup match [against Blackburn on Wednesday week] will be the first game I pick the team for.’
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