Cisse hoping Houllier defies critics

Liverpool target Djibril Cisse wants the club to keep faith with manager Gerard Houllier ahead of his expected arrival in the summer.

Auxerre striker Cisse has made it clear he expects to join the Reds later this year and also claimed to have twice turned down Spanish giants Real Madrid in favour of a move to the Barclaycard Premiership.

Despite moving into fourth place in the table after a 1-0 win over Wolves yesterday and six trophy wins in the last three years, Houllier’s position has been undermined recently by critics.

But France international Cisse, banned from this summer’s Euro 2004 competition, hopes his compatriot will stay at Anfield.

Cisse is quoted on Liverpool’s official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv, saying: “I hope with all my heart that he keeps his job because if I arrive at the club and he’s not the manager it would be a serious blow to my future.

“He’s the one I spoke to, the one I negotiated with and the one I agreed the deal with.

“If he isn’t going to be there then the challenge for me is going to be even tougher. I could have gone to Real Madrid. I had two offers from them. But Anfield is the better move for me.”

Cisse would join a large French enclave on Merseyside, including Houllier, assistant Christian Damiano and a host of first-team squad players.