Mark
Dec 17 2002, 04:42 PM
Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier says the mental strength of his players will help lift them out of a barren run of form.
The Merseysiders have taken only one point from the last 18, and suffered another setback against struggling Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
They have been further rocked by the news that influential midfielder Dietmar Hamann will be sidelined for a fortnight with a shin injury.
Now they are hoping for a lift against Aston Villa in the Worthington Cup quarter finals, and Houllier said: 'I know the mental strength of the players, and the way they stick together will get us through.
'We are extremely hurt and we felt a lot of pain after the Sunderland defeat because we didn't think we deserved to leave the stadium with nothing.
'We have got the players and the quality, and we have got the mental stamina. I am still trying to find the solution but I have full trust and confidence in my players and their ability to keep faith in themselves.
'This is a very difficult period, but the fans are helping the boys to keep their chins up. It is a test for our nerves and our character.'
Houllier will name his strongest available side for the cup showdown, and says the game offers a perfect opportunity to put things right ahead of next weekend's derby against Mersey neighbours Everton.
He added: 'We want to win every cup. The game is all about silverware and winning trophies is what the players think of.
'The good thing about being a successful side is that you are in lots of tournaments, and the lads have an opportunity to bounce back.'
The Merseysiders have taken only one point from the last 18, and suffered another setback against struggling Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
They have been further rocked by the news that influential midfielder Dietmar Hamann will be sidelined for a fortnight with a shin injury.
Now they are hoping for a lift against Aston Villa in the Worthington Cup quarter finals, and Houllier said: 'I know the mental strength of the players, and the way they stick together will get us through.
'We are extremely hurt and we felt a lot of pain after the Sunderland defeat because we didn't think we deserved to leave the stadium with nothing.
'We have got the players and the quality, and we have got the mental stamina. I am still trying to find the solution but I have full trust and confidence in my players and their ability to keep faith in themselves.
'This is a very difficult period, but the fans are helping the boys to keep their chins up. It is a test for our nerves and our character.'
Houllier will name his strongest available side for the cup showdown, and says the game offers a perfect opportunity to put things right ahead of next weekend's derby against Mersey neighbours Everton.
He added: 'We want to win every cup. The game is all about silverware and winning trophies is what the players think of.
'The good thing about being a successful side is that you are in lots of tournaments, and the lads have an opportunity to bounce back.'