Houllier already feeling the heat

GERARD HOULLIER felt the lash of phone-in tongues after an opening-day defeat but insisted his Liverpool can live with the best.

The Anfield boss hates the tirades of abuse when fans are given a radio platform, but it rained down again in the wake of Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat by Chelsea.

But Houllier was quick to point out that Liverpool were without the suspended Steven Gerrard, who will be back for Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa.