Ill axe stars if Aston Villa go down insists Gerard Houllier

Last updated : 01 April 2011 By Daily Mail

Villa are one point above the drop-zone and face a tough game at Everton on Saturday with manager Houllier facing unrest among his squad and under pressure to reverse a poor run of results.

But the Frenchman says there will be consequences for others if Villa's form does not improve.

In trouble: Villa are battling relegation, despite boasting several internationals

'If someone is not with us for the rest of the season then that player has got to leave because he won't make it with us,' he said. 'The spirit is good. We know we are in a relegation battle but the players have to realise this is about their future as well. It's about the club and about the fans, this has to be at the heart of their lives.

'The manager is responsible for results but the players are responsible for the game.'

Houllier is aware, as a former Liverpool manager, that Everton fans will revel in his misfortune. Indeed, his own supporters voiced their disapproval as Villa lost to rivals Wolves two weeks ago.

But Houllier said: 'I don't feel under any extra pressure. I share the fans' frustration, when there's a discrepancy between what we are capable of and the results we have been getting. This causes anxiety and disappointment.'?

Villa thriller: Houllier's club have a battle on their hands to stay up

And the Frenchman is adamant he has the mandate to continue his work at the club as the close bond remains between himself, Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner and chief executive Paul Faulkner.

Houllier said: 'I speak to Randy Lerner on a regular basis and I speak also to Paul Faulkner a minimum of once a day.

'We are very close and very tight together. We know what we are going through. It is important to be in a club where there is a strong belief and the trust is there.'I think their support for me is just as strong. In fact, I am convinced of that.'

Houllier believes the club is unified in the battle to stay in the top flight but he has issued a warning to anyone not committed fully to Villa's cause.

He said: 'I believe the club is unified. If someone is not with us and not giving more than 100 per cent, he's got to leave because we won't make it.

'But I think we are all right and there is no problem. The spirit is good, we know where the land lies, we're not lying to ourselves, we are in a relegation battle, like others and we are aware of that.'

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Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail