O'Leary: I'll retire at 55

The former Arsenal defender is much younger, of course, and has a streetfighter's appetite for devouring everything thrown at him. Houllier is also consumed by the challenge, but his considered approach is perhaps less suited to coping with the game's excesses.

Houllier was working as a relief teacher in Liverpool when he first fell in love with the Anfield club. Compiling a unique Treble of trophies last season was the realisation of a dream he had harboured for some 20 years.

That achievement should have reduced the pressure on him after two seasons in charge without success, but Houllier is not the type to rest on his laurels.

In an interview with Sportsmail on the eve of the season, the Frenchman was adamant that Liverpool must win the championship.

He said: ' Last season was outstanding in terms of the achievement for the fans, the club and the players. But the main target is always the Premiership. The goal we set our hearts and minds on is always the championship. As for me, I am like Steven Gerrard - the games cannot come quickly enough for me.'

In hindsight, it seems that Houllier's heart was not able to keep up with the speed which the season demands.

Results this term have been mixed and dealing with the relentless demands of star players has been a weighty burden.

O'Leary is adamant that player- power is the most significant change to the modern game and adds a whole new dimension to an already onerous job.

He said: 'Gerard has spoken to me about the players' union, the power which players have and the money they earn. Life has changed and the respect for managers has gone out of the game. It's harder to manage players.'

The continuing saga of Robbie Fowler's season irked Houllier so much that he refused to appear on Sky TV because one reporter continued to pursue the issue. There have been other little incidents, but in fairness, Houllier is very well rewarded for taking the strain which his job demands.

O'Leary said: 'I have set an age of 55 when I want to get out. If my wife saw me coming home completely stressed out then she would tell me to get out tomorrow, but she knows I can cope.

'It's a 24-hour-a-day job, but it doesn't keep me awake at night because I'm not a worrier. I have always coped well with things and always enjoyed pressure. I've always wanted to manage and make decisions at the top and be tested. But I don't want to still be doing it at 65.'

Saturday's meeting between Liverpool and Leeds, during which Houllier became ill, certainly didn't prove decisive. Leeds were the more impressive and took the lead through Harry Kewell's cute control and volley after 28 minutes.

Fowler had been derelict of a first touch, never mind an idea, before he reminded everyone of his sublime talent with a chip which came back off the bar and was headed home by Danny Murphy for the equaliser.

There was little else of note in the match other than Leeds' obvious hunger to win at all costs. Maybe as long as that remains, O'Leary needn't worry himself too much.