Babbel set for Anfield exit

German star Markus Babbel has been told he no longer figures in Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier’s plans and can look for another club.

The 30-year-old German international failed to win back his place in the side this season after a year out with serious illness.

Houllier has also criticised the defender’s attitude and poor disciplinary record after two sendings off for the reserves, including one for head-butting Everton youngster Michael Symes last week, for which he was fined two weeks’ wages.

Babbel still has two years of his contract left, so cannot be released along with Patrik Berger, Bernard Diomede and Vegard Heggem, but it is clear he has no future at the club and will be expected to find somewhere else.

Houllier said: “The staff have been disappointed with Markus’ attitude towards the club and the fans.”

Babbel’s last senior appearance was in December in the Worthington Cup win at Aston Villa, where he clearly showed his anger towards the bench when he was substituted at Villa Park.

Houllier added: “It is not only because of the outburst during the Worthington Cup, but he has been sent off twice in the reserves.

“I took no action first time but I will fine him two weeks’ wages for the incident last week which was unacceptable. He is no longer in my plans.”

Babbel was out for over a year recovering from Guillian Barre Syndrome, which reduced him to a wheelchair and threatened his career.

Since then he has slowly fought his way back to fitness and he started the season as a late substitute in the Community Shield defeat in Cardiff by Arsenal. He has since totalled just seven more appearances this season to make it 73 for the club since joining at the beginning of the 1999-2000 season.

But he seemed unable to fully recapture the fitness and form that made him a key member of the treble winning side of 2001 when he helped them win the FA Cup, Worthington Cup and UEFA Cup.

He played in all three finals and scored Liverpool’s first goal in the 5-4 UEFA Cup triumph in Dortmund against Alaves.

Houllier added: “When you have talent there is no question you are capable of doing well for your club, but the motivation has to be there too.

“The attitude has to be right but in this case it has not been right. I think the club has been very fair to Markus. We stood by him and handed him a new contract, I am very disappointed with him.”

Liverpool actually gave Babbel a new contract while he was recovering from illness but his position now appears to have become untenable. He has been linked with German side 1860 Munich, and will be available on a free transfer.