Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has quashed speculation that Gerard Houllier may have a less significant role when he returns to the club.
The 54-year-old Liverpool manager needed life-saving heart surgery after suffering chest pains during last month's Premiership clash with Leeds.
The Frenchman's assistant, Phil Thompson, has maintained the momentum in Houllier's absence.
But any suggestions of Houllier relinquishing control have been ended by Parry.
He said: "We all appreciate what Phil has done - but I don't see there being any significant shift in the way he and Gerard do their respective jobs."
Parry continued in The Daily Mail: "I'm convinced Gerard will come back and make the same contribution as before his illness.
"We'll discuss it in detail with Gerard and his doctors - but all the indications so far have told us that is perfectly possible."
PA