Liverpool assistant manager Phil Thompson today revealed Gerard Houllier is expected to return to the Anfield hot seat in early March after Champions League games home and away to Galatasaray. Liverpool will meet the Turkish champions at Anfield tomorrow night and then in Istanbul less than a week later.
Thompson said he has enjoyed the last few months in charge since Houllier was taken ill last October with heart problems, but he added that he's looking forward to the Frenchman's return: "Everything is going to plan and I think it will be early March when he is back. That will mean I can slip back into my role which has already proved successful," he said.
"I have enjoyed the past few months, but it will be a relief when Gerard returns because without doubt I feel we work better as a pair. In my view he's the best manager in this country and even in Europe and the sooner he comes back the better," added Thompson.
Liverpool are currently bottom of their table in the Champions League second stage but are only one point behind Roma and Galatasaray. Thompson believes qualification for the next stage will only be decided after the final game: "There are no targets for us in this group other than wanting to win the game. I always expected this group to be tight and I'm still convinced it will go to the very last game."
Filed by Tom Grealis
