Former Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier has defended his ex-No2 Gary McAllister over recent criticism.
Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor claimed last week he would have quit the club had the Frenchman and assistant McAllister remained in charge, criticising the latter's approach to training.
Houllier leapt to the defence of the Scot, saying: "I was a bit surprised that one of the players was having a go at his training sessions.
"Because, truly, he is a modern, very up-to-date and very good coach.
"In fact, some players really improved. We could see some progress in Ashley Young and Stewart Downing in the way they played and the way they even increased their technical abilities."
