Houllier can be inspiration

13 April 2012

Vladimir Smicer believes the presence of manager Gerard Houllier at Anfield tonight could provide the spark Liverpool need when they take on Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Houllier is working his way back to taking full control following heart surgery last October after being taken ill during the match against Leeds. He held a press conference for the first time in nearly six months yesterday.

Houllier's unexpected return to the dugout in their final group match against Roma two weeks ago prompted a 2-0 victory and midfielder Smicer would settle for a similar result against the German league leaders.

"It was a big boost for our team having the manager back for the Roma game for he knew our opponents extremely well," said the Czech Republic international.

"It was good for the fans as well and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric.

"We need this kind of support against Leverkusen. With this crowd behind us we can beat any team in the world."

Houllier, who admits he has been overwhelmed by the show of support from the fans during his recuperation, is expected to join assistant manager Phil Thompson again in the dugout tonight and the wave of emotion that is bound to sweep around the ground might just unnerve Leverkusen.

Houllier said: "The people I want to thank most of all are the fans. Their voices, their chants went right to my heart. They made me proud of the team. They made me proud of Liverpool."

Smicer feels Liverpool are a better side than the one that picked up three trophies - the UEFA Cup, the FA Cup and Worthington Cup - last season.

"I think we have grown up as a team. We're playing better football now," he said.

"When we played at Barcelona last season we sat back and defended. This season when we went there we gave a more positive performance."

Smicer has weighed in with two goals in his last two games and said: "You get a big boost when you are scoring, your confidence is higher. I needed these goals to add to my game.

"Certainly we have to push forward at Anfield because Leverkusen are very strong at home.

"People tend to underestimate them but they're very difficult to beat. They are top of their league and at the moment are better than Bayern Munich.

"I'm glad we're in a knockout situation now. Your destiny is in your own hands. In the group stages it is different."

England pair Steven Gerrard and Emile Heskey are expected to feature in what will be Liverpool's 200th European match.

Gerrard missed the 2-0 victory over Charlton on Saturday with a groin injury while Heskey suffered a bruised foot in that match.

Liverpool v Bayer Leverkusen, ITV1 7.45pm

MORE ABOUT

Leeds

Rome

Surgery

Houllier can be inspiration

Read More