Houllier's future in hands of Bulgarian minnows

Feb 26, 2004 - Liverpool have won four European Cups but the future of embattled manager Gerard Houllier (pictured) could hinge on the third round tie against Bulgarian minnows Levski Sofia in the less prestigious UEFA Cup.

Liverpool have won four European Cups but the future of embattled manager Gerard Houllier (pictured) could hinge on the third round tie against Bulgarian minnows Levski Sofia in the less prestigious UEFA Cup.

Liverpool have won four European Cups but the future of embattled manager Gerard Houllier could hinge on the third round tie against Bulgarian minnows Levski Sofia in the less prestigious UEFA Cup.

Houllier has come under intense pressure since Portsmouth knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup at the weekend, leaving the UEFA Cup as their only hope of a trophy this season.

He flew to his native France for a break, but was back to lead training on Tuesday and insisted he would be staying to lead the club to the Champions League next season.

"I will not walk away. I am strong and still have goals," Houllier told BBC Sport.

"I expect to be manager next season because we will reach our targets.

"I think we will achieve our objective of Champions League football and the board know what we have turned around and that we are on the right track.

"These are the two reasons why I still believe I will be here next season.

"It is good to play again so quickly after a disappointment, and the competition is one that has been good to us. We remember how we won it in 2001."

Anfield expects on Thursday and the fans, fast losing patience with the boss judging by criticism on the club's website, will want to see Michael Owen and probable strike partner Milan Baros build up a comfortable cushion for the second leg in Bulgaria on March 3.

Celtic manager Martin O`Neill wants his side to concentrate on reaching their second successive UEFA Cup final.

Celtic manager Martin O`Neill wants his side to concentrate on reaching their second successive UEFA Cup final.

Martin O'Neill, the man many observers believe could replace Houllier, leads his Celtic side into a home tie against Czech side Teplice.

After the bitter disappointment of their exit from the Champions League, O'Neill wants his side to concentrate on reaching their second successive UEFA Cup final. They were beaten by FC Porto in last season's climax.

O'Neill has welcomed back Didier Agathe to training after he was rested for the 4-1 victory over Partick on Sunday which set a Scottish record of 24 consecutive league victories.

"Hes got a bit of knee problem but he should be okay for Thursday," said O'Neill.

Striker Chris Sutton recognises little-known opponents can sometimes cause the most problems.

"I am conscious that things can go wrong," he said. "We have no divine right to win matches and a clean sheet for Celtic in this one would be vital."

Newcastle are furious that an administrative error will prevent midfielder Lee Bowyer from lining up for their away match against Norwegian side Valerenga.

Bowyer was not registered by UEFA as being "eligible to play" in the club's six European games this season, meaning he still has to serve a six-game ban. The club insist they are blameless.

"We expected fair play and a common-sense approach, but now further appeal appears futile," said a Newcastle statement.

AS Roma are in form, just five points behind Italian league leaders AC Milan, but injuries are piling up ahead of their tricky trip to Turkish side Gaziantepspor.

Brazilian striker Adriano is cup-tied and ineligible for Inter Milan's UEFA Cup match against Sochaux.

Brazilian striker Adriano is cup-tied and ineligible for Inter Milan's UEFA Cup match against Sochaux.

Captain Francesco Totti, in-form striker Antonio Cassano, forward Vincenzo Montella and French wingback Vincent Candela will not play.

Like Celtic, Inter Milan arrive in the competition following Champions League elimination and a trip to low budget but high-flying French side Sochaux will test their commitment.

Inter coach Alberto Zaccheroni has a selection headache which has intensified since central defender Marco Materazzi's domestic ban - imposed for punching an opponent - was extended to European matches by UEFA.

Brazilian striker Adriano and Serbian midfielder Dejan Stankovic, signed last month from Parma and Lazio respectively, are both cup-tied while Turkish midfielder Emre Belozoglu is ruled out with a leg injury.

Barcelona must overcome Danish side Brondby to progress, but have the comfort of the return leg at their Nou Camp home.

Source: WorldSoccerNews.com

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