Houllier's rap on Gerrard surprised me, says Erikkson

SVEN-Goran Eriksson has admitted he has been surprised by Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier's public criticism of out-of-sorts midfielder Steven Gerrard.

But the England coach, like Houllier known for protecting his players, revealed he had tried the same drastic approach himself during his days as a club boss albeit with some mixed fortunes.

And Eriksson insists that he has no worries about Gerrard eventually rediscovering his best form.