Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has left the intensive care unit of a Liverpool hospital after showing a "significant improvement" following emergency heart surgery, doctors said today.
Houllier, 54, had undergone an 11-hour operation after being taken ill during his side's premier league game against Leeds United at Anfield on October 13th.
After spending last week in intensive care, the Cardiothoracic Centre where the Frenchman is being treated said in a statement: "It is now the third day that Gerard Houllier has been out of the Intensive Care Unit and on the general ward.
"There has been a significant improvement in his condition over this period.
"This is mainly due to his physical and mental strength, and we are sure that his team's performance over the last week has played an important role in his recovery."
Under the guidance of assistant manager Phil Thompson, Liverpool last week became the first British side to beat Dynamo Kiev away, as they went top of Champions League group B.
On Saturday, they won 4-1 at Leicester City to go fourth in the table.