Houllier was left bemused by the reaction of the home crowd and insists his side are more then capable of playing attacking football when the time is right.
Houllier said: "I'm not adopting defensive tactics. We are not playing negatively. Yes, for the last ten minutes the players wanted to keep the result, but that's understandable.
"We have got to get into a situation where we are more confident. I said to the players before the game we have two home games coming up in the league and its important to take six points. If we do, we'll be in a Champions' League position.
"You can't dominate teams all the time. It's not easy in the Premiership. Every team represents a new challenge. I think the players deserve a lot of credit for the way they've responded."
"It was a massive result for us - exactly what we need at the moment. You have to remember we lost the win at Wolves and had a great game against Everton, which we drew.
"I can understand why the players wanted to keep the result last night. In fact, I was pleased they did.
"Remember the games against Newcastle and Birmingham at Anfield last season? We went for the third goal and drew games we dominated.
"The players have learned from that and they were very professional and more clinical. Of course I understand the fans want to see more goals, but even the Liverpool teams of the past didn't bombard opponents every week. Sometimes you have to take the result.
"You should also think of what we've been through this season. The team is still developing.
"Michael Owen has been out for three months. Jamie Carragher has just come back. Dietmar Hamann was out until November. To now be in fourth is a great effort. We have come through a period of adversity.
"What we really need more than anything is support. As a club, we are in this situation together. I think everyone has to understand the situation we're in."