Houllier: I never doubted myself

Last updated : 11 May 2003 By Chris Maxwell
The Liverpool manager presided over the club's worst run for nearly 50 years earlier in the season when the Reds went eleven league games without victory. Criticism of Houllier was at its most intense at this point, but Houllier always felt confident in his own ability.

Houllier said: "I never had any doubts about myself. I always question myself. Can I put things right? Can I improve things?

"I learned a lot about the way I am viewed at this club during the poor spell and it was good to see the players' and the board's reaction to the speculation about my future. I have no plans to stop. I will go on for as long as I can. If there is no more petrol in the tank I will stop. That is not the case at the moment.

"At some stage you have to go through a difficult period. No pain without gain.

"That has fired me up even more for next season. I've never felt as good as I am now. I will stay a manager as long as I can - I have no deadlines on that."