Gerard Houllier believes he and his players are very much together as they bid to prove the club's critics wrong. The Reds face Levski Sofia tonight well placed to qualify for the last 16 of the UEFA Cup after a 2-0 win in the third-round first-leg clash at Anfield.
Houllier's position and competence has been questioned in the media and by former players who believe the club will never recapture the glories of the 1970s and 1980s under his leadership. However, the Frenchman has been bullish in defending himself and his team as he prepares for his 50th European match in charge.
"But what counts is the club and the team. When fans and some former players attack me, they attack my team," said Houllier. "They do not help the team get into the best condition in terms of confidence. What you need then is to stick together."
Houllier has been at the helm for 49 European games before this one, including those where Phil Thompson stood in on the sidelines and the manager directed matters from his hospital bed after a heart scare. Liverpool have lost just eight of those, and only three of 25 away, and his secret weapon during that time has often been Michael Owen.
The England striker, who has scored just two in his last 11 games, has nevertheless netted 14 of the 39 European away goals under Houllier. The Reds boss is convinced Owen's goals will return and praised him for his improvement as an all-round player. He said: "Michael has learned to adapt his play, particularly against a defence that retreats quickly. He plays deeper when that happens, working much harder.
"There was a time when critics would reproach Michael for not knowing how to play when he had no space, with defenders all around. Now he can drop, get the ball and turn to make chances for himself and others. He is now a more complete player in every aspect of the game."
Owen will have Milan Baros alongside him tonight, with Houllier adamant he knows what he is doing and what is best for Liverpool. He said of a style constantly criticised at home, but ideal for Europe: "I still have absolute belief in what we are doing."
