Houllier: Big players have hit form

Last updated : 23 January 2003 By Chris Maxwell
Houllier is not surprised that the return to form of Players such as Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and Emile Heskey has resulted in victories over Sheffield United and Southampton.

He said: "Against Southampton and Sheffield United our big guns were back on form.

"At the worst moment of our poor period when we lost to Sunderland I said to the players 'keep going'. It is difficult to hear that when things are not going well.

"It was a test of nerve and character but I knew they would come back. I care more about my players than the points, the cups, anything. They are a young team that is progressing and learning and sometimes they are naive about the game.

"The only way to progress is to play hard but fair and that is what we do. That is what we have done and that is what has got us through this difficult period."