Gerard Houllier seeks solution to Aston Villa slump

Houllier has overseen a poor run of results (GETTY IMAGES)

Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier held a meeting with all his backroom staff to try to find a solution to the club's recent slump in fortunes.

Houllier met with assistant manager Gary McAllister and coaches Gordon Cowans, Robert Duverne and Rafa Gonzalez in the aftermath of the 3-0 reversal at Liverpool on Monday.

Villa will take on West Brom tomorrow lying just two points above the relegation zone in the Barclays Premier League and Houllier is keen to resolve their current plight.

The Frenchman explained: "We are a team, we are five - myself, Macca, Gordon, Rafa and Robert. The day after the game against Liverpool we met practically all day.

"We talked about a few things, analysed a few things, questioned a few things.

"That's exactly the right process. We were supposed to go to France to see (scout) a player but we cancelled that."

Houllier is refusing to press the panic button and retains faith in his beliefs.

He said: "The players are fine, they will be all right. Sometimes it's good to have a big slap in the face like we probably had against Liverpool.

"You need to bounce back and show character. It's not ideal to have a derby, but we'll take it how it is.

"I'm not panicing at all. I know we'll get there. We know where we're going, we know our philosophy, we know exactly what we want to achieve.

"I know personally that this club at some stage will achieve and bounce back.

"But my aim is long term. This is very important, this is my philosophy."