Houllier yearns to join elite

GERARD HOULLIER almost spat out the words – and they summed up Liverpool’s erratic season.

Adrift in the Barclaycard Premiership title race and with just the UEFA Cup to occupy their minds while Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all preen themselves among the Champions League elite, Liverpool are hurting.

Houllier will hope for a safe passage through the UEFA Cup second-round second-leg tie at home to Steaua Bucharest tonight, but admits his mind is sometimes elsewhere.