Houllier driven by quest to make Liverpool the best

If Liverpool were a spy under-cover, they would be found out quicker than Inspector Clouseau in one of his ridiculous disguises. Going unnoticed is simply not an option for a club who have won four European Cups and three Uefa Cups. And yet, Gérard Houllier believes his side are not attracting attention on the Continent right now.

The Reds may once have ruled Europe, but it is now 18 years since their last triumph in the top competition. Their current campaign is also only their second participation in the Champions' League. As a result, Liverpool are no longer feared in the way they once were. Nor have they been regarded as serious contenders for this year's event. But Houllier's men have the credentials to lift the trophy next May. Their record is impressive; they have lost only four of their last 34 European ties since the Frenchman took sole charge in November 1998.

"Not only that," Houllier interrupts, "but, of those matches, 18 were away and 16 were at home. So to lose only four times is some achievement. I'm looking at what the other English teams have done, and I think that to win the Uefa Cup, the Super Cup, and reach the quarter-finals of the Champions' League in 34 games is not bad. My players are gaining in experience and will soon be ready."

Quite how soon will depend on the goalscoring prowess of the original Merseyside wonderkid, Michael Owen (who recorded the 10th hat-trick of his career in Moscow last Tuesday), and the result against Valencia this Wednesday. The Spanish giants are the only team to have beaten Liverpool this season, so their visit should give Houllier a clearer indication of his team's credentials.

The Frenchman has witnessed some incredible nights in his long and distinguished career, but none, he says, ranks alongside the game against Roma at Anfield in March. That match marked his return to the bench, following his heart operation and six months' rest. Liverpool won 2-0 then to book their place in the quarter-finals; how they could do with a similar result this week. "We want to do well," Houllier says, "but, ultimately, I don't think it matters whether we finish top of the group because once the 16 best teams are left, it is tough against anyone. The important thing is that we qualify for the next round."

Victory over Valencia would all but guarantee Liverpool's passage, not to mention erase the memory of the sound 2-0 defeat they suffered in Spain last month. "We haven't mentioned the first [Valencia] game," Houllier says, "but I know that in the back of their minds they were disappointed with the performance. We went there after a good run in the Premiership and perhaps some thought we would win again, but sometimes you need to adapt to the opposition and be clever. The players felt they let themselves down.

"But they knew that, and it is to their credit that they listened to what we had to say about the match and then went to put it right. When you turn your weaknesses into your strengths, then, wow... you have a real chance, because it means you're listening and willing to learn."

Houllier adds: "The one good thing is that the defeat came early on in our season. That gave the players a sharp reminder of what they need to do in order to win, particularly at this level. Valencia are an excellent side. I mean, to win the Spanish League by seven points, you have to be something special."

If you are wondering why he knows so much about the Champions' League, it is because this is the one trophy he most covets. The Premiership remains a priority, of course, especially for the English owners, but not necessarily for the club's French manager. "Winning the Champions' League is a dream of mine, and one I want to make come true. Maybe it's because I've more of a European outlook than my players. Don't get me wrong, the first target is to win the Premiership, but for me, the top vision is winning the Champions' League."

Can Liverpool fulfil his ambition and become champions of Europe this season? "At the moment it is very hard to say," Houllier explains. "We've only played four games, so it's difficult to draw conclusions. We're second behind Valencia, who are the ultimate benchmark for me in terms of results because they've been in the final twice in the last three years and are playing some great stuff now. So all I can say is that I feel we have the mental strength, as well as the physical and tactical ability to deliver."

Liverpool will certainly have a better chance in Europe now that they are no longer just the counterattacking side of the the last few years. Houllier has introduced more versatility in the form of Bruno Cheyrou, El-Hadji Diouf and Milan Baros, and Liverpool have scored 31 goals in 15 matches so far. No wonder the Frenchman is confident. "I don't want to sound self-centred," he says, "but I don't care what others think. I tell my players to have confidence in themselves and not worry how they are perceived. Our results have been speaking for themselves."

Four games down and 12 to go if Liverpool are to go all the way to the Champions' League final. And the venue? Well, the home of the Reds, of course: Old Trafford.