Houllier right man for Pool, says Barnes
The Anfield manager yesterday dismissed reports he is set to leave the club to take up a post with Monaco.
Houllier has found himself under increasing pressure following the 2-1 defeat by Birmingham, which leaves them off the pace near the top of the table.
Former England international Barnes, who won championship medals for the club in 1990 and 1988, believes the side are only lacking confidence.
"I definitely think they can get out of the position they are in," he said. "They have been struggling and they didn't get a particularly good result yesterday.
"The desire was still there. They were running around, they were tackling confidence is the only thing they are lacking.
"They still have the quality there but they need a little bit of confidence.
"I still expect Liverpool to finish fourth, which would be a Champions League place. Third would appear to be beyond them though.
"Obviously the longer the season goes on with them not turning it around, the more difficult it is going to become.
"But it is important for people to understand that Gerard Houllier is committed to Liverpool because that is the only way Liverpool are going to get out of this sticky run.
"I have faith in the players and I have full faith in the manager. But confidence is a hell of a thing."
Barnes does not believe the rumours about Houllier's future will have a negative effect on the side ahead of the Worthington Cup final against Manchester United on Sunday.
"I don't think this will have an adverse affect on Gerard or the players," said Barnes at the Bolton press launch of a charity match next week in aid of the Kanu Heart Foundation.
Speculation had arisen over Houllier's position after Prince Albert of Monaco attended Liverpool's recent home game with Arsenal.
But Houllier told the club's website, www.liverpoolfc.tv: "It's true that Prince Albert of Monaco attended our game against Arsenal, but this was purely in a social capacity as he is a long-standing friend of both myself and Arsene Wenger.
"Let's put the record straight I am not in discussion and will not be entering into talks with Monaco about any role at the club.
"Believe me, I'm here for the long haul."
The club topped the table in early November but now lie seventh after winning just two of their last 16 games.
Houllier added: "I gave an interview to Le Journal du Dimanche and was asked about recent speculation linking me with Monaco, but my comments have been taken out of context.
"Politely expressing respect for a club does not mean I will be leaving Liverpool. I remain totally committed to Liverpool and the job I'm doing here and I want the fans to know that. I love this club and the supporters, and after all they've done for me I'm not about to walk out on them.
"We were all very disappointed with the result at Birmingham, but we have two huge games in the next seven days and I will not let this story distract me or the players from preparing properly for those matches."
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