Champions League: Our will is as strong as ever - Houllier

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier heads for Leverkusen today, no doubt reflecting on the last time he visited Germany.

Houllier’s side chalked up a 0-0 draw against Borussia Dortmund back in September in the first phase of the Champions League.

A similar score tomorrow when they face Bayer Leverkusen would secure Liverpool’s place in the semi-finals.

A month following the Dortmund match, Houllier need major heart surgery after being taken ill in the home game against Leeds on October 13.

Today Houllier will lead the club into Europe for the first time since that Dortmund match.

His willingness to travel is another indication that his recuperation is almost complete.

Houllier will host a media conference at the club’s Melwood training ground before the party fly off to Germany.

They face Leverkusen tomorrow, holding a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, thanks to Sami Hyypia’s goal.

Houllier joined assistant manager Phil Thompson in the dug-out at Anfield last week and gave both pre-match and post-match media briefings.

Liverpool were slated for their negativity in that match but Houllier remains upbeat.

‘‘The team have a strong will to win games and even though they have won trophies they have kept their determination and commitment,’’ he said.

‘‘The other thing is attitude. I am a great believer that if the attitude is right, results will follow.’’

Leverkusen will go into the game with renewed confidence after edging closer to the Bundesliga title on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Jorg Butt scored from the penalty spot in the 2-0 victory over Cologne with Brazilian defender Lucio also on target.

Liverpool had the weekend off with their game against Blackburn being postponed.

Midfielder Vladimir Smicer believes that could be to their advantage.

‘‘We have had time to recharge our batteries with not having a game on the Sunday,’’ said the Czech international.

‘‘It meant we could focus entirely on the second leg and that can only be a good thing.

‘‘I thought were weren’t as sharp or as aggressive as normal in the first leg. Hopefully we can benefit from not having a game at the weekend.’’

Houllier is expected to field the same side as the one that grabbed a narrow victory last week and set up a possible semi-final meeting with Manchester United.

England pair Michael Owen and Emile Heskey are likely to start up front as Nicolas Anelka is ineligible.