Houllier said: "It is not up to me to say what will happen in the summer but I do believe I will still be manager of Liverpool next season.
"The important thing is my role has not been questioned by the players and I am working in the best, most honest way I can. You have to take these things in your stride.
"There is no chance of me retiring in the summer. I hope to be at Liverpool for the rest of my career. My health will determine that and it is fine.
"My contract runs until 2005 and I don't plan to retire from the game even if I am sacked by Liverpool, but I am not considering that.
"I have been inspired by the human qualities of the people in the boardroom during this difficult time. The chairman and Rick Parry are close to the players but I was touched by how every one of the directors came to talk to the players after the game. They didn't just offer words of consolation, they talked to all the players at length.
"It is not important for Gerard Houllier but it is important that Liverpool is in the Champions League. We need Champions League football next season."