Houllier insists there is 'no drugs problem'

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier claims there is no drugs problem in the English game.

The Anfield chief’s comments come in the wake of the Rio Ferdinand saga, with the Manchester United defender facing an eight-month ban after failing to take a drugs test earlier this season.

Houllier said: “I do not want to talk about that situation, it is not my way.

“But on the drugs thing generally, I do not believe for a minute that there is any problem in this country.

He added: “Regarding the drugs thing, the stricter the tests the better. That would clear the air and be beneficial for the game.

“I do not think there is drug-taking in England, I speak to other managers and I do not believe there is performance enhancement drugs being taken.”