Houllier Will Let Unhappy Players Leave
09/21/2001. Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has vowed to replace any players who want to leave Anfield.
Recent reports suggest that a number of players are unhappy with their lack of first team action however Houllier has denied that is the case although if it was he could just sign someone else.
Robbie Fowler, Jari Litmanen and Nick Barmby are all believed to be disappointed with the amount of first team action they have had this season.
Houllier told the Daily Express: "They are part of my plans, but if they want to go we'll get someone else in.
"Some papers, without grounds, are saying something is wrong with Nick or Jari.
"First it was Robbie and we had a laugh between us about those stories. These fall-outs have all been conjured up out of thin air.
"Obviously four or five are not happy at not being involved, but we won things last season by staying united and by having players who were up for the task when they were called upon.
"The best way to be ready is to have the mental strength to be with us. The players who were on the bench were very supportive, which shows we are winning as a squad."
The form of Michael Owen and Emile Heskey has seen little chance of either Fowler or Litmanen getting a look in so far this season.
Houillier added: "Jari is definitely an important part of the squad. I fought hard to get him here. We need four strikers and he is the fourth.
"Bayern Munich have six and Manchester United have five. Jari understands the position.
"He is fit and is fine. At the moment I am sticking to two players because they are doing the job. It doesn't mean the two who are not playing don't deserve to play."
|
Houllier Pleased With Result Despite Bore Draw
09/20/2001. Gerard Houllier has revealed his disappointment at his side’s creativity after Liverpool drew 0-0 with Borussia Dortmund.
Michael Owen and Emile Heskey were unable to break down the German's defence as Liverpool drew their second Champions League match.
However the Liverpool boss was pleased with the result and he is still confident of qualification from an open group.
Houllier said: "They were intent on denying them time, freedom and space, which is a great credit to our lads.
"I didn't feel we were under any real pressure and we controlled the game from a defensive point of view.
"But I was disappointed with our offensive play. We were weak in our final passes and it was only an average performance.
"We came to win but our team had to grind out a result on a pitch made difficult by the continual rain.
"But this was our first away game in the Champions League. We are still learning, and we intend to do better next time.
"The result proves this is a very open group, and we have maintained our chance of qualifying.
"Dortmund are much more experienced than us at this level, so I feel this is still a good result."
|
