Houllier expects to be slaughtered

The under-fire Frenchman, who must now hope that his underachieving team raise their spirits ahead of another crucial cup tie against Levski Sofia on Thursday, knows only too well that FA Cup defeat will bring with it heavy criticism of his troubled reign.

Houllier said: "I know I'll get slaughtered - but I don't feel under any more pressure than before.

"I think it's unfair to slaughter us. I cannot blame my players. They tried hard, but that's football and you have to live with it. It goes with being a big club.

"This has been a difficult season, and we missed Michael Owen for a couple of months.

"We're disappointed but still have the UEFA Cup. We are strong enough and have to put it right."