Gerard Houllier tonight made an emotional first return to Anfield to speak in the Bill Shankly suite at the club's AGM. These are the major highlights of what he said:
"The last time I spoke at the AGM, we were sixth in the table, behind Manchester United, Arsenal, Leicester, Ipswich and Sunderland. We were 13 points behind the leaders but still involved in three cups. Our three-year plan was to get into the Champions League but we were very much enjoying our run in the UEFA Cup. We were all disappointed that we just missed out in our first season of our three-year plan but one of my friends said at the time that it was a blessing in disguise that we hadn't made that immediate step up and I think he may have had a point.
"We had sorted out our defensive frailties and we were improving our goal scoring record. The team was slowly but surely growing in maturity and confidence. What has happened since is a matter for the record books. The seven-day period between the 12th and the 19th of May was the key. We broke with the traditional English culture after winning the FA Cup because the players refrained from all alcohol in their celebrations. They did the same following the UEFA Cup success four days later and showed determination to approach the Charlton match in the best possible condition.
"Both the players and technical staff had set out with the objection of adding one trophy to the cabinet at the beginning of the season to provide proof of our progress. The fact that we were able to qualify for the Champions League one year ahead of own schedule was therefore a major achievement. And we won three cups.
"We may have got used to it now but let's remind ourselves that no other club in Europe had ever won a cup treble in one season before. We had to defeat some of our closest rivals like Chelsea, Leeds and Arsenal to win the FA Cup and Worthington Cup while in the UEFA Cup we knocked out four major European sides - Olympiakos, Porto, Roma and Barcelona - all of whom are playingin the Champions League this season. In addition to all this, the fans were also officially recognised by UEFA for their sporting behaviour.
"We followed those achievements by beating Manchester United in the Charity Shield and a victory against the European Cup holders Bayern Munich in the Super Cup in Monaco. From a personal point of view, winning the two European trophies gave me particular pleasure but I spoke to Michael Owen and he explained to me how young English players grow up dreaming about scoring the winning goal in an FA Cup final. Now, don't get me wrong, that was a fantastic day but it has been a long time since Liverpool enjoyed a triumph on the European stage and I was very proud that I was the manager who ended that barren spell. The way we then beat Bayern Munich in the Super Cup was another indication that something special was happening at Anfield.
"We also scored 127 goals - the third highest total in the club's history. I repeat, the third highest total in the club's history. Although, if you believe everything you read in the papers, 126 probably came from a breakaway from the edge of our penalty area. The other one was probably an own goal!
"You do not, over the course of 63 matches, average over two goals a game by playing with a negative and boring approach. In fact, I hope we can be as boring this season. Against the Italian champions Roma, we dominated the first 45 minutes with attacking football and we deserved to be two-up at the break. After the interval we came under pressure but we held tight and came away with a draw against top-class opposition. This group of players are mentally tough enough to adapt to any opposition.
"A recent conversation with Phil Thompson brought it home to me just how far we've come in terms of progress in such a short period of time. I was speaking with Phil after the Barcelona defeat and he was naturally very down. I said to him, 'Let's get things into perspective. If someone had told you sixmonths ago that you would beat Barcelona in the UEFA Cup semi-final and that you would go on to win another four trophies, not only qualify for the Champions league but make it through to the second round in our first attempt - which is more than either Arsenal or Manchester United achieved in their first two Champions league campaigns - and be on top of the league, you wouldn't have believed them'.
"Let's deal in reality. This team is a bunch of winners. You do not win five trophies, finish third and sit on top of the league after 10 games if you are not winners and that is what we are. I came to this club with a vision. In fact, if you'll pardon the expression, I came to this club with double vision. I want this club to be the best in this country and I want this club to be the best in Europe.
"In football, you can not programme success. You can only prepare for it. We have a long-term strategy and we are delighted that the chairman and the board of directors have always supported us in meeting our ambitions. What we are putting in place here are rock solid foundations for the future and nothing brought home to me more how special this club is when the players and staff celebrated with the fans after the UEFA Cup final.
"I have total faith in the squad we have assembled which is why we didn't spend too much in the summer. Christian Ziege went to Tottenham and John Arne Riise came in from Monaco. We have already seen how well he has adapted to the English game. Some other clubs decided to make much bigger outlays during the summer but although I know we can improve in certain areas, I believe in the players we have here.
"Another sign of that belief was epitomised by our decision not to sign Tomas Rosicky, who was available for £8m before he moved to Dortmund, because I knew what Danny Murphy was capable of and I had faith in him. His recent breakthrough into the England squad has vindicated that decision.
"We did complete two other very importantdeals which show our determination to identify and attract outstanding talent. We have signed Milan Baros and also Anthony Le Tallec and Florent Sinama-Pongolle who will join us in 2003. We signed the two boys before they because U-17 World Champions with France and were named the best players in the tournament. Of course, other clubs then wanted to sign them but they had already signed for us. You have to be smart sometimes.
"Milan Baros is for the new generation and we will be presenting a very strong case to the review panel as they consider his application for a work permit. The two young French boys are for the future generation. They are both real gems, by the way. Both deals make football sense.
"Since the new campaign has begun, we have also signed two new goalkeepers which some people might find a bit extravagant. The reality is different. Chris Kirkland is an outstanding prospect and we had tracked him for 18 months. In Jerzy Dudek's case, we had the opportunity to improve the squad and that has always been the Liverpool way. We have already seen what Jerzy's arrival has done for the club.
"The fact that they both arrived on the same day was purely coincidental. Sometimes as a manager you have to make some tough decisions and you have to separate your heart from your head - that was the case with Sander Westerveld, with whom we won five cups.
"There has also been a great deal of media comment concerning Robbie Fowler's move to Leeds United. I think it will be helpful to explain my position on a transfer that I was fully involved in. Let me start by saying that no manager could have been more supportive of Robbie over the years. I like him as a person and we got on well which is why I rang him before his Leeds debut to wish him all the best in this new stage in his career and tell him that he would always be welcome at Melwood.
"It was clear that Robbie was unhappy at not being an automatic first choice. He obviousl y wants to play in nextyear's World Cup and believes that playing more regularly will allow him to do that.
"I will not keep a player at this club who is unhappy and that applies to anybody, not just Robbie. In addition, with just 18 months left on his contract, we could not afford a repeat of the Steve McManaman situation, which is why the timing of the move was right for both Robbie and us. Robbie decided he wanted to move to Leeds and you have to respect his decision. The fact he went to Elland Road is not important. I am more concerned about my squad than that of others.
"Already speculation has begun about another striker coming to this club but I have total belief in our current strike force. What I can tell you now is that the transfer fee for Robbie - which was nearer £13m than £11m by the way, will be invested in the right player at the right time. We will bring someone in who will improve the squad and we will not be rushed into making the wrong decision.
"Tonight we sit at the top of the Premier League which is an indication of the fact that we are becoming more consistent but' but let's not get carried away. The only table that matters is the one that the papers print at the end of the season. Naturally we are pleased with our current position but we will remain humble and focused.
"I notice a former captain of ours said recently that this squad is so good that we don't need a manager. I took this as a great compliment. He must have changed his mind since leaving as he said at the time that Phil Thompson and I would drag the club down. On that point I suppose he was right - we dragged the club down to Cardiff three times in the last 10 months!
"I've spoken about the players but I want to speak about what I call the great team behind the team. The success we've achieved would not have been possible without my technical staff - Phil Thompson, Jacques Crevoisier, Sammy Lee, Joe Corrigan, Alec Miller and Ron Yeats.
"At the beginning of t he season I set three targets for the club. To win the Charity Shield, win the Super Cup and qualify for the second round of the Champions League. Over the last 12 months this club has improved its assets, morale, status and potential. The club is in safe hands. We have a team growing in maturity - with the exception of Gary McAllister! He's not growing in maturity but the others are! We have quality throughout the squad and also in the team behind the team. I take special pride in the fact that three of our players have been named amongst the top 50 players in Europe.
"I want everyone to be aware though that rapid growth is often followed by a levelling out before further progress can be achieved.
"And finally, I want to assure everyone that I am looking forward to coming back but I must follow the doctors orders..."
Gerard ended his speech in tears as he spoke about how he was proud to serve Liverpool Football Club.
How anyone can doubt this man is beyond me....
"The last time I spoke at the AGM, we were sixth in the table, behind Manchester United, Arsenal, Leicester, Ipswich and Sunderland. We were 13 points behind the leaders but still involved in three cups. Our three-year plan was to get into the Champions League but we were very much enjoying our run in the UEFA Cup. We were all disappointed that we just missed out in our first season of our three-year plan but one of my friends said at the time that it was a blessing in disguise that we hadn't made that immediate step up and I think he may have had a point.
"We had sorted out our defensive frailties and we were improving our goal scoring record. The team was slowly but surely growing in maturity and confidence. What has happened since is a matter for the record books. The seven-day period between the 12th and the 19th of May was the key. We broke with the traditional English culture after winning the FA Cup because the players refrained from all alcohol in their celebrations. They did the same following the UEFA Cup success four days later and showed determination to approach the Charlton match in the best possible condition.
"Both the players and technical staff had set out with the objection of adding one trophy to the cabinet at the beginning of the season to provide proof of our progress. The fact that we were able to qualify for the Champions League one year ahead of own schedule was therefore a major achievement. And we won three cups.
"We may have got used to it now but let's remind ourselves that no other club in Europe had ever won a cup treble in one season before. We had to defeat some of our closest rivals like Chelsea, Leeds and Arsenal to win the FA Cup and Worthington Cup while in the UEFA Cup we knocked out four major European sides - Olympiakos, Porto, Roma and Barcelona - all of whom are playingin the Champions League this season. In addition to all this, the fans were also officially recognised by UEFA for their sporting behaviour.
"We followed those achievements by beating Manchester United in the Charity Shield and a victory against the European Cup holders Bayern Munich in the Super Cup in Monaco. From a personal point of view, winning the two European trophies gave me particular pleasure but I spoke to Michael Owen and he explained to me how young English players grow up dreaming about scoring the winning goal in an FA Cup final. Now, don't get me wrong, that was a fantastic day but it has been a long time since Liverpool enjoyed a triumph on the European stage and I was very proud that I was the manager who ended that barren spell. The way we then beat Bayern Munich in the Super Cup was another indication that something special was happening at Anfield.
"We also scored 127 goals - the third highest total in the club's history. I repeat, the third highest total in the club's history. Although, if you believe everything you read in the papers, 126 probably came from a breakaway from the edge of our penalty area. The other one was probably an own goal!
"You do not, over the course of 63 matches, average over two goals a game by playing with a negative and boring approach. In fact, I hope we can be as boring this season. Against the Italian champions Roma, we dominated the first 45 minutes with attacking football and we deserved to be two-up at the break. After the interval we came under pressure but we held tight and came away with a draw against top-class opposition. This group of players are mentally tough enough to adapt to any opposition.
"A recent conversation with Phil Thompson brought it home to me just how far we've come in terms of progress in such a short period of time. I was speaking with Phil after the Barcelona defeat and he was naturally very down. I said to him, 'Let's get things into perspective. If someone had told you sixmonths ago that you would beat Barcelona in the UEFA Cup semi-final and that you would go on to win another four trophies, not only qualify for the Champions league but make it through to the second round in our first attempt - which is more than either Arsenal or Manchester United achieved in their first two Champions league campaigns - and be on top of the league, you wouldn't have believed them'.
"Let's deal in reality. This team is a bunch of winners. You do not win five trophies, finish third and sit on top of the league after 10 games if you are not winners and that is what we are. I came to this club with a vision. In fact, if you'll pardon the expression, I came to this club with double vision. I want this club to be the best in this country and I want this club to be the best in Europe.
"In football, you can not programme success. You can only prepare for it. We have a long-term strategy and we are delighted that the chairman and the board of directors have always supported us in meeting our ambitions. What we are putting in place here are rock solid foundations for the future and nothing brought home to me more how special this club is when the players and staff celebrated with the fans after the UEFA Cup final.
"I have total faith in the squad we have assembled which is why we didn't spend too much in the summer. Christian Ziege went to Tottenham and John Arne Riise came in from Monaco. We have already seen how well he has adapted to the English game. Some other clubs decided to make much bigger outlays during the summer but although I know we can improve in certain areas, I believe in the players we have here.
"Another sign of that belief was epitomised by our decision not to sign Tomas Rosicky, who was available for £8m before he moved to Dortmund, because I knew what Danny Murphy was capable of and I had faith in him. His recent breakthrough into the England squad has vindicated that decision.
"We did complete two other very importantdeals which show our determination to identify and attract outstanding talent. We have signed Milan Baros and also Anthony Le Tallec and Florent Sinama-Pongolle who will join us in 2003. We signed the two boys before they because U-17 World Champions with France and were named the best players in the tournament. Of course, other clubs then wanted to sign them but they had already signed for us. You have to be smart sometimes.
"Milan Baros is for the new generation and we will be presenting a very strong case to the review panel as they consider his application for a work permit. The two young French boys are for the future generation. They are both real gems, by the way. Both deals make football sense.
"Since the new campaign has begun, we have also signed two new goalkeepers which some people might find a bit extravagant. The reality is different. Chris Kirkland is an outstanding prospect and we had tracked him for 18 months. In Jerzy Dudek's case, we had the opportunity to improve the squad and that has always been the Liverpool way. We have already seen what Jerzy's arrival has done for the club.
"The fact that they both arrived on the same day was purely coincidental. Sometimes as a manager you have to make some tough decisions and you have to separate your heart from your head - that was the case with Sander Westerveld, with whom we won five cups.
"There has also been a great deal of media comment concerning Robbie Fowler's move to Leeds United. I think it will be helpful to explain my position on a transfer that I was fully involved in. Let me start by saying that no manager could have been more supportive of Robbie over the years. I like him as a person and we got on well which is why I rang him before his Leeds debut to wish him all the best in this new stage in his career and tell him that he would always be welcome at Melwood.
"It was clear that Robbie was unhappy at not being an automatic first choice. He obviousl y wants to play in nextyear's World Cup and believes that playing more regularly will allow him to do that.
"I will not keep a player at this club who is unhappy and that applies to anybody, not just Robbie. In addition, with just 18 months left on his contract, we could not afford a repeat of the Steve McManaman situation, which is why the timing of the move was right for both Robbie and us. Robbie decided he wanted to move to Leeds and you have to respect his decision. The fact he went to Elland Road is not important. I am more concerned about my squad than that of others.
"Already speculation has begun about another striker coming to this club but I have total belief in our current strike force. What I can tell you now is that the transfer fee for Robbie - which was nearer £13m than £11m by the way, will be invested in the right player at the right time. We will bring someone in who will improve the squad and we will not be rushed into making the wrong decision.
"Tonight we sit at the top of the Premier League which is an indication of the fact that we are becoming more consistent but' but let's not get carried away. The only table that matters is the one that the papers print at the end of the season. Naturally we are pleased with our current position but we will remain humble and focused.
"I notice a former captain of ours said recently that this squad is so good that we don't need a manager. I took this as a great compliment. He must have changed his mind since leaving as he said at the time that Phil Thompson and I would drag the club down. On that point I suppose he was right - we dragged the club down to Cardiff three times in the last 10 months!
"I've spoken about the players but I want to speak about what I call the great team behind the team. The success we've achieved would not have been possible without my technical staff - Phil Thompson, Jacques Crevoisier, Sammy Lee, Joe Corrigan, Alec Miller and Ron Yeats.
"At the beginning of t he season I set three targets for the club. To win the Charity Shield, win the Super Cup and qualify for the second round of the Champions League. Over the last 12 months this club has improved its assets, morale, status and potential. The club is in safe hands. We have a team growing in maturity - with the exception of Gary McAllister! He's not growing in maturity but the others are! We have quality throughout the squad and also in the team behind the team. I take special pride in the fact that three of our players have been named amongst the top 50 players in Europe.
"I want everyone to be aware though that rapid growth is often followed by a levelling out before further progress can be achieved.
"And finally, I want to assure everyone that I am looking forward to coming back but I must follow the doctors orders..."
Gerard ended his speech in tears as he spoke about how he was proud to serve Liverpool Football Club.
How anyone can doubt this man is beyond me....
