Houlliers Interview on LFC.tv

[DIGGERS DRIBBLE]

This is the interview that the Echo article is taken from. He says predictably that we have progressed from last season.....the Fool



A proud Gerard Houllier today thanked the players and supporters for helping Liverpool secure Champions League qualification but admitted his disappointment that the season has not been more successful.
With the Reds now all but certain of a place in the most prestigious continental cup competition next season Houllier took time out from his busy schedule to reflect on what has been, at times, a turbulent campaign.

In an exclusive interview with Liverpoolfc.tv at the club's Melwood training headquarters the boss spoke of his pride at how the team have overcome adversity this season to book their Champions League return and acknowledged there is room for improvement.

Gerard, first of all, congratulations on securing fourth spot...

Thank-you, I'd like to share those congratulations with my players. I'd like to give them a public acknowledgement of what they have achieved this season because it has been a difficult year.

We've had too many injuries really. Didi Hamann only started playing in November, Stephane Henchoz was not back until practically January, we then lost Steve Finnan for four months and Michael (Owen) for three months. Earlier in the season we had to make do without Jamie Carragher and Milan Baros for long spells, while Steven Gerrard, Harry Kewell and Chris Kirkland had spells where they've been out injured.

Despite all this we've kept our head up and come through the storm. Some of the criticism we've received has been unfair.

I feel sorry for Bobby Robson. I know what he is going through. When you don't have your major players available it is very difficult to compete at the top, even for the likes of Manchester United, who have struggled when Van Nistelrooy has been missing.

Given the circumstances I firmly believe that finishing fourth is a massive achievement. Well-done boys. I'm so pleased for everyone at theclub and also for the fans, especially the fans that travel everywhere to support us.

What is your overall feeling this morning, is it one of relief that you are not now faced with the prospect of a final day Champions League play-off?

No, it is one of pride for my players who have their dignity and faith during a difficult season in which I have been constantly under-fire. My Christian name this season has been either under-fire or under-pressure!

You are probably well aware that many fans are of the opinion that fourth place is not good enough for a club of Liverpool's stature, would you agree?

Yes, fourth place is not good enough for me. Fourth place hurts me but I know what has happened this year and the board knows that too. And, of course, we'd have liked to win another trophy.

Do you think the team has progressed this season?

Yes, because last season we finished fifth. This season we wanted to get back into the Champions League and by finishing fourth we will have achieved that.

Regarding last night's match between Newcastle and Southampton, did you see any of it?

I only watched the end.

What has been the reaction of everyone else at the club?

They all called me last night - my staff, Rick (Parry) and the Chairman, which is good.

Your confidence in the team clinching fourth spot has not once wavered throughout the season, but was there ever a time when you thought you might just miss out?

No, never. I've always said we would get fourth and we've been in that position for the past two months.

What would you pick out as the high and low points of the season?

The high point would be the win at Chelsea. That was very important. We'd won at Yeovil on the Sunday against the supposed giant-killers but not many people were expecting us to follow that up with a win at Stamford Bridge against a Chelsea side that has been riding high all season.

The lowest point would probably have to be when we lost away at Southampton, because I think we played well that day and didn't deserve to lose. Michael missed a penalty and it was a difficult afternoon. Portsmouth away in the FA Cup replay is another one.

What have your learnt about your players this season?

I've learnt a lot about their strength and character. Some have improved a lot, especially on the mental side.

How important has Steven Gerrard been to the team?

Stevie has been a good captain but I would say Michael Owen and Sami Hyypia, who I'd say are the leaders of the team, have also been extremely influential.

Do you look back on your decision to change the captaincy as an inspired one?

It probably gave a bit of relief to Sami. He is a very nice and intense person who was taking on too much responsibility. But he responded extremely well and Stevie has done the same. It was something I'd had in my mind. As Kenny Dalglish said the best honour Stevie could have been given this season was the Liverpool captaincy. I love that quote.

You say it has been a difficult season, how hard has it been coping with the criticism that has come your way?

The criticism is sometimes totally unfair and I can't accept that because it affects the player's confidence.

You have now been in sole charge at this club for five full season, how would you assess your time here so far?

Since I arrived here the team has undergone a massive change and in five years what have we done? Well, we've qualified for the Champions League three times, reached the quarter-final once, and won six trophies. So credit to everyone who has helped us achieve this and who has supported us along the way.

During this time we have spent about £110 million but we've recouped nearly £70 million. If you don't invest in the team every year then you are not going to compete with the best.

Sometimes you make the right signing and sometimes you don't. Looking at the signings we made last summer I think the arrivals of Harry Kewell and Steve Finnan were good for the club and they can improve even more next season. I'm pleased with how they have done but sometimes you are not as happy with certain signings. These things happen and they happen at other clubs as well.

I know that the team is good and I know that we have quality coming up.

Looking ahead to Saturday's game, what are your plans now there is nothing resting on the outcome?

We'd like to sign off in style for the fans and we'll give it our best shot.

And what would be your message to the supporters who have stood by you and your team this season?

Thank-you, thank-you very much. Without them we couldn't have done it.

Finally, you must be excited about the prospect of leading Liverpool Football Club back into the Champions League?

Yes.

[Scouse Missionary]

Is it even worth commenting?

[johnb]

Originally Posted by Scouse Missionary

Is it even worth commenting?

Yes, you are a crazy, cheating, daft, inhumane, lying, devious, mendacious, manipulative, sly, petty, misleading, foolish, egoistic, egomanical, smug, pompous, arrogant, ostentatious, under-achieving, incapable gash-head.

[Scouse Missionary]

Originally Posted by johnb

Yes, you are a crazy, cheating, daft, inhumane, lying, devious, mendacious, manipulative, sly, petty, misleading, foolish, egoistic, egomanical, smug, pompous, arrogant, ostentatious, under-achieving, incapable gash-head.

I take it you mean Houllier and not me!!

[Tom R]

"I've always said we would get fourth all along".

Maybe that's the problem knobface!

ps. "Gash-Head" that rules JB. I;m keeping that one. :-D