'Hamann's contribution could have been better and I thought a different combination would work better,' he said. To be taken off was also obviously disappointing and I don't know the reason why.' Houllier has a few ideas. 'To go out like that, especially as were in a position to win it on two occasions was a real sickener and it's hard to put your finger on what went wrong.

'Everybody is gutted,' said the man who was mysteriously substituted just before the Reds caved in last night. I'm proud of my players.'ĭietmar Hamann, though, remains stricken by grief. 'I have said 'well done' to the boys for what they have done in Europe this season. 'To reach the quarter finals of the is a great achievement but we must look to keep on improving,' said Houllier. His eyes a-spinning almost evangelically, he praised his heroes' glorious campaign that delivered so much, rather than mourning its premature termination.

As the brave British public have managed themselves this week, Gerard decided to accentuate the positive.

What is the opposite of miracle