Houllier feels that Heskey is still recovering from a World Cup that took place nearly nine months ago. The excuses, it seems, are far more tired then the player in question. The Reds boss, though, believe that he is not overprotective towards the 25-year-old.
Houllier said: "Maybe this season people will think I have been overprotective of Emile, maybe they will think I have defended him too much. But I know my players.
"Yes, I have spoken to him about his form. I have talked with him about the support the staff and players have given him, and he knows it is time to repay that.
"But I still believe in his potential, which is why I would argue that I'm not overprotecting him. I support him because I still believe he will deliver his potential.
"He has had a difficult season. He has had injuries, and he has also had a long campaign in Japan. I said when he came back from the World Cup, we would not see the best of him until after Christmas. Now we are hoping to see his best.
"I know my players. I know they are human. They have mistakes and they have weaknesses. They are not computers. I know when a player needs a kick up the backside and when he needs an arm on the shoulder.
"Recently he was injured but played through pain to score in Glasgow against Celtic. That was brave.
"You go through adversity and become stronger. In any walk of life it is the same, and that is what I am expecting to happen with Emile."