The 29-year-old Liverpool defender was seen as the main culprit of a shambolic defensive display at the Valley but Houllier believes recent criticism of the player has been 'unfair'.
Houllier said: "I think it's a bit unfair because defending is a matter for the team more than individuals.
"I'm not sure why he's taking the stick, but I hope it's something he will use to motivate him and prove people wrong. We lost a game on Sunday we should have won. It's as simple as that."
