Gerard Houllier Team Quotations

We have made another step towards the qualification. This is proof that this team is growing and getting more mature.

There was a lot of pressure on me and on the team to win this match. I am proud to say that Lyon is once again one of the best eight teams in Europe, as it has been for three years.

You have the best 16 teams in Europe here and really they're the cream. If it hadn't been for a late winner from the Czech Republic last night no side would be on six points from two games.

Nearly every team would be affected by the loss of their main players. They have scored 70 per cent of our goals.

I thought it was a great game between two great teams and I thought we deserved to win.

When I was manager (of Liverpool) in England the national team coach was much more understanding.

About a third of the national team is made of Lyon players and I have the right to say that I disagree.

You can't say my team aren't winners. They've proved that by finishing fourth, third and second in the last three years.

To me, the team is more important than any individual member of the squad, and the players have to realise that and accept that my priority is to pick a side with the best possible chance of winning each match.

I want to keep an English heart to the team. I believe in that. Michael Owen is that. Never think Michael is afraid of anything.