Houllier down after Basel draw

Liverpool FC manager Gérard Houllier's subdued demeanour summed up the mood around Anfield after Liverpool FC were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against FC Basel in their UEFA Champions League Group B encounter.

'Disappointed and frustrated'
"You feel extremely disappointed and frustrated for your players," said Houllier, who had seen his side take the lead in the 34th minute through Milan Baroš. "We had six to eight chances if not more to win," the Frenchman added. "We deserved to win - not only for the quality but the number of chances we created. We also had a blatant penalty for handball at the end."

'Points will come'
However, the French coach was still putting on a brave face and remained confident that his side would still progress to the second group stage despite only having one point from their opening two games. "The group is still open and the next two games will be extremely decisive for the rest of the competition," said Houllier. "I tell the boys to keep playing like that and the points will come."

Owen lacking confidence
Michael Owen once again failed to find the back of the net, leaving the England striker with a single goal so far this season. However, although Houllier admitted that the player needed a goal to rekindle his former zest, he was more than satisfied with Owen's general contribution in and around the area. "He lacks a bit of confidence but I was pleased with his work-rate," Houllier said. "He misses chances because he gets in positions to score goals."

'Temple of football'
Houllier's opposite number, Christian Gross, left Anfield a contented but somewhat relieved man after Liverpool had their late penalty appeal turned down. "We were lucky," claimed the former Tottenham Hotspur FC manager. "The player said he was pushed into the ball but we were lucky not to have a penalty against us. For every manager it's fantastic to get a point at Anfield – a real temple of football."

'Go home stronger'
Argentinian striker Julio Hernán Rossi drew Basel level two minutes before the break and the goal certainly justified the coach's decision to play two out-and-out forwards. "We showed excellent spirit and I used two strikers because we felt we could come away with something," Gross said. "We certainly go home stronger than when we arrived."