Houllier wants Reds to take risks

Paul Walker

Still unbeaten but having twice figured in dramatic 2-2 draws that has seen their previously invincible defence look vulnerable, boss Houllier accepts that as the price for a new image.

He said: "People are not used to Liverpool letting in so many goals, but the team is playing better offensive football and that is the key to success."

Liverpool's rise over the past two years gained them immense respect, but they have hardly been loved and frequently attacked for being one-dimensional and defensive.

But times are changing as Houllier admits to showing little concern about the mounting goals-against column after years of clean sheets.

They face newly promoted Birmingham at Anfield tonight intent on their new greater emphasis on attack.

Houllier, who has seen Blackburn and Newcastle both score twice and claim exciting draws in Liverpool's last two games, said: "I'm not concerned about anything but the quality of the game we play. Over the last four games we have played, we have shown tremendous improvement.

"I told the players that they should not mind the result against Newcastle, it was a fantastic game."

Without playmaker Vladimir Smicer out with a broken toe but with Jerzy Dudek likely to continue in goal after recovering from a groin problem, Houllier aims to continue his "let's go for it" style.

He said: "People are concentrating on the bad side of our team. The game against Newcastle was practically perfect apart from the final minute when we conceded that header. But I was pleased with the performance of the boys that day in terms of tempo and variety of football we showed.

"I told them afterwards not to worry about what had happened because if they keep going like that they will win many games."

He added: "It was such good football that it was encouraging for the future, obviously you can look at some of the goals that went in, maybe a lack of realism from defenders, but I would much prefer to see my team play that way. We know we can't play any better, apart from scoring more of the chances we make.

"In the four games so far people are not used to Liverpool letting in so many goals. But the team is playing better offensive football, and that is the key to success. With this style you just have to trust the players.

"We deliver some exciting games now. We could have been three-up before Newcastle scored last week. The quality of our game has improved and we want to raise that standard even more in terms of finishing."

Houllier is relieved all his internationals, Vladimir Smicer apart, have returned unscathed from Euro 2004 qualifiers, and refused to jump onto the club versus country bandwagon.

He underlined his continued support for England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, saying: "I have always been supportive of what Sven has been doing, because we have four players and a coach with him. We understand his problems.

"He is in a no-win situation. If he doesn't rotate players in friendlies people complain about the possibility of injuries. If he does rotate then people criticise the changes and whether friendlies are worthwhile with lots of substitutions.

"Players do get injured on international duty. We have lost Vladimir for a few weeks and it has affected Arsenal because they have been without Freddie Ljungberg. But that is why teams have a big squad."

He added: "My managerial colleagues can say what they like, that is not my business, but Liverpool have a good relationship with Sven. I was disappointed that Danny Murphy, Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard were unable to go to the World Cup.''