The Frenchman, fully aware that he must improve upon a hugely disappointing fifth place finish in the last campaign, admits that he is eagerly anticipating the beginning of another fresh assault on the Premiership title.
Houllier said: "When last season ended I couldn't wait for the new one to begin again. I am just looking forward to August 17. It has made me even hungrier after what happened last season.
"You get pressure every year. At the beginning of the most successful season I ever had at Liverpool I was tipped as the first manager to be sacked. I hope we have the same kind of predictions this time.
"Last season we were disappointed we lost the Champions League spot at home. If you look at our results away from home we were the second or third team in the league but we finished eighth on our home results.
"I am excited about the new season. It will be tougher and more difficult but that's what the game is all about."
