Houllier: Premiership is inspiring us

With United sitting on a seemingly-unassailable 14-point lead, Liverpool are in the midst of an increasingly frantic scramble for the two remaining Champions League places.

Houllier's perspective on the Premiership's competitive edge could scarcely have contrasted more sharply with that of Ferguson.

'The Premiership is a very strong, high-quality league and that is reflected in the achievements of English teams in the two European competitions this season,' said the Liverpool manager on the eve of their UEFA Cup quarter-final, second leg with Porto.

'The great thing about it is that games are so competitive and the pace so intense that you go into European ties perfectly prepared for the challenge ahead.

'As a basis for success in Europe, you need strength, solidity and a physical presence.

'After that, tactical discipline, nerve and individual ability come into play and there is no doubt in my mind that what we experience on a weekly basis in the Premiership stands us in good stead to deliver all that is needed.'

As he prepared for the 20th cup match of an eventful season tonight, the Liverpool boss had plenty to occupy his mind as he pondered fitness worries over Emile Heskey and Stephane Henchoz and considered a recall for Jari Litmanen to help build on a goalless draw in Portugal last Thursday. He could at least be sure, though, that weariness need not figure in his deliberations.

'Our fixture list has been incredible for the past few months but I have not once heard anyone in our squad mention the word "tired". In fact, if you put it to any of them that perhaps they may be starting to feel a bit tired, they would take it as a personal insult.

'I think they would have to be dead before you could get away with suggesting they were showing signs of fatigue.

'It makes me particularly proud that they are tackling such a punishing schedule without any moaning. If anything, they are getting stronger. I am not going to start making predictions about whether we might add the UEFA Cup or FA Cup to the Worthington Cup, but I do know we have put a bit more steel into our play and that is very important.'