Stoke City boss Tony Pulis expecting tough test against Gerrard Houllier's Aston Villa

Frenchman takes charge of Villans for the first time against Potters...

9 Sep 2010 22:40:00

By Alex Young

More On :  Aston Villa, Stoke City, Tony Pulis, Gérard Houllier
Gérard Houllier (Getty Images)

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis admits that he is expecting an impressive Aston Villa on Monday night, as Gerard Houllier takes charge of the club for the first time.

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Houllier was instated as Martin O’Neill’s successor on Wednesday, and Pulis is expecting the Aston Villa players to be on top form in an attempt to impress their new boss.

"It is always tough when a new manager walks in through the door because the players are on their toes and trying to impress the new manager in charge," said Pulis.

"It has happened to us quite a bit, over the years we've had this changeover a few times, but you have to take it on the chin."

He added: "But I'm not really worried about Aston Villa, I'm just concerned about this club.

"Whatever happens outside, happens outside - I can't affect it so why worry about it.

"If you look at teams too deeply sometimes you can worry your players to death."

Pulis also believes that Houllier is a lucky man to take over a club in such a good position, and hailed the ‘amazing job’ done by departed manager O’Neill at Villa Park

"They are a good team. Martin [O’Neill] did an amazing job at Villa and I was as surprised as anyone when he left," said Pulis.

"But Gerard is experienced in the Premier League with Liverpool where he did a smashing job.

"I think he is walking into a football club which has top players and he has been very fortunate to get a great club.

"The only time I can remember speaking to Gerard was two years ago at the France Under-21 game in Nottingham and he seemed a nice chap."

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