Houllier rules out move 'upstairs'

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has once again dismissed rumours over his health and has vowed to remain in the Anfield hotseat.

The Frenchman has been tipped to take a step back from the pressures of management and accept a place on the Reds’ board following a poor recent run of results in the Premiership.

A run of 10 league games without a win has seen Liverpool slip down the table after blazing a trail earlier in the season.

However, they have progressed in the Worthington, FA and UEFA Cups during that slump and Houllier insists there is no chance of him taking the easy way out.

He told Sky Sports News: “I have never felt better, since having my operation, than I do now. I am enjoying my job and there is no way I am going to go upstairs.

“If they want to send me upstairs, they will have to send me downstairs before I would go upstairs.

“The lack of six points suddenly means I have become ill again! There are rumours of people coming here, some of which are to help people who are about to sign a new contract, maybe. All I can tell you is, I’m fine.”

Houllier feels it is unfair to pin the blame for Liverpool’s poor league form on his management style.

He added: “I personally don’t think that when we win a game I’m the best manager and when we lose a game I’m the worst manager. All I know is that the tactics work when you win games.”

However, he did admit that he would like to add some quality out wide to his squad, although he questions whether that is a viable option at the current time.

“One of the criticisms of my side is the lack of width,” he said. “First of all you have to name me how many old-fashioned wingers there are in this country.

“If a world-class winger became available, at the right price, yes, I would want him.”