Czech Republic striker Milan Baros, currently top scorer at Euro 2004, revealed that he was on the verge of walking out on Liverpool, before manager Gerard Houllier was sacked.
Baros has been a revelation in Portugal, with his five goals helping the Czechs to the semi-finals of the tournament. Despite this, Baros has blamed his former manager for destroying his confidence and claimed that had Houllier stayed at Anfield, he would have left.
The Czech ace said; "Houllier knocked the confidence out of me. I wasn't being picked and I thought it would be best to leave Liverpool in the summer. I was very hurt at not being in the side. I was fit and felt it was an injustice."
However, Baros believes he will have a fresh start under new manager Rafael Benitiez and is eager for a chance to prove himself to his new manager.
"A new coach has come in now and the situation has changed. Every player will start next season from the same point under Rafael Benitez," he said. "We will all have something to prove. With the old manager gone, I now want to stay and be a part of it."
"I had lost my motivation at Liverpool and it was only when I met up with my national team-mates that I lost weight, gained some mental belief and got my motivation back," he added. "I have heard people say I play differently for my country but that's simply not true. I play exactly the same at Liverpool."
Filed by Rob Wrigh
