Houllier relishing big French test

LIVERPOOL boss Gerard Houllier was in bristling, defiant mood as he prepared for today’s UEFA Cup fourth round showdown with Marseille.

A week ago in Bulgaria, Houllier was a worried man, shaken by death threats and vile slogans written on walls calling for his head.

Now, buoyed by an impressive victory over Levski Sofia, the support of his players and the rallying of Liverpool's fans, Houllier returns to European action with a big weight lifted from his shoulders.