Hou says it won't be easy for new Reds boss

Gerard Houllier today warned his successor at Liverpool that there will be “no quick fix” to get them back to the top of the English game.

The Frenchman parted company with the Reds today after six years in charge, during which time he won six trophies.

However, it is the failure of Houllier to keep the club in the running for the title that has cost him his job.

Liverpool have not added to the last of their 18 league titles in 1990 and finished 30 points behind Arsenal last season.

Alan Curbishley, Martin O’Neill, Rafael Benitez and Gordon Strachan have been linked with the now vacant post, but Houllier believes whoever comes in will have a tough job on their hands to break the stranglehold of the Premiership’s top three.

“The club is in my heart. It is one of the most fantastic clubs in the world,” he said.

“But the club needs to consider its roots and understand that it cannot always have a quick fix.”

The Frenchman revealed he was prepared to stay, but insisted “excessive pressure” concerning his future was having a negative effect on the club, and that it was best if he left.

“I want to make clear how much the club means to me. I had intended to carry on my job but the reason we have agreed to part company is mainly because of the sudden excessive pressure on the board and myself,” he said.

“The pressure is something I can cope with, though some of you have tested me over the last 10 months,” he said.

“But I thought it could be harmful for the players in next season’s campaign and I also thought that it could jeopardise their performance and achievement. That’s why we have agreed to come to this situation.

“The club comes first, I’m not here for myself, I’m here for the club. The club will always come first for me.

“The club has meant six years of happiness for me. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players who have achieved so much, and to the fans for their support.”

“I arrived here six years ago as a Liverpool supporter and I leave as an even bigger supporter,” he said.

“I may have left Liverpool, but Liverpool will not leave me. I will return to watch the team as a fan."

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry thanked Houllier for his efforts, and said it was now time to search for an adequate successor.

“After considerable thought and discussion the board have decided to part company with the manager and Gerard has accepted this with typical good grace.

“We always said we would review our position at the end of the season and that is what we have now done.

“Although we have reached the Champions League, that is a minimum standard and not a goal. For a variety of reasons the board decided that change was necessary if we were to realistically challenge for the title next season.

“But this is not a day for anger, recrimination or speculation. It is a day for dignity and respect and I want to publicly thank Gerard for his considerable achievements during his time in charge at the club.

“Whatever has happened today, he will always be a friend of the club and welcome at Anfield.

“Now we start the search for a new manager – today is the end of a chapter and tomorrow the start of another.”