Houllier Hails Heskey

Gerard Houllier praised the contribution of Emile Heskey against Albion and believes he can still improve as a player.

Speaking on the Official Site following our much needed win at the weekend, Houllier couldn't praise the returning Heskey enough, both for his play upfront but also for his defensive work.

'Emile has the confidence of his team mates, he is a likeable person, I know what he is capable of. I think when you have been out for a while, it's great to produce a performance like that for the team.'

It seems Houllier also thinks Emile can still improve further despite his 'wise' age, by adding that age is no barrier to progress and improvement. All that is required is the physical and mental energy to motivate yourself and push further, and this is something he says Emile has in abundance.

Heskey wasn't the only one singled out for a bit of praise, Houllier added that we missed Marc Albrighton the last few weeks, and desperately missed his abilities in the final third of the pitch.

'What I liked about him is that he takes risk, takes the initiative, he doesn't bottle out and I will always encourage theat.'

So what does the manager have to say about the season so far, and the last week that saw the greatest hiccup in recent memory?

Well, he's loving the challenge and just to add to JF's earlier article where he praises the fans, I'll throw in.

'This job is 80% per cent aggravation, difficulty, problems, every day, every minute. But 20 per cent is great, emotions, but a different world. That is why we do this job.

'It is the love of the game. I am 63 and I'm here - it must be because I like the club, I like the project of the club, I like the players.

'We are going through a bad patch, let's stick together and push on now.'

Whatever you personal opinions on Houllier, the last week, or whether you think he's capable of taking us past the ceiling the previous manager achieved, I don't think there's many who can disagree with his final comment.

'What is easy in life?'

Very little that's worthwhile!

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