Aston Villa hitman happy under new rule
Gabriel Agbonlahor has revealed that he was close to quitting the club when Gerard Houllier was at the helm of the club, but feels more comfortable under Alex McCleish.
The Frenchman is known to have upset several figures in the Villa dressing room, including Irish international, Richard Dunne.
McCleish took over from Houllier after the Frenchman had serious health issues and had to step down from the post.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, 24 year-old Agbonlahor noted: “At one stage I did think about it [leaving}. I thought if this is how it is going to stay and the manager is going to stay here, with this formation, then I would have to leave. It hurt more as a Villa fan and local boy. Luckily the manager left and McAllister left as well.”
The forward claims the managerial team hurt his international career also, stating: “It killed me a lot. It did not help me with England. The manager had his formations and he was not going to change that. Gerard was not much of a talker. It was more McAllister, but he was not very good to be honest. I did not really get on with him.”
He remains hopeful however, adding: “2012 is still a target. Anything can happen with injuries and people can lose their form. The new manager has given me a chance.”
