‘‘We stated yesterday that the next significant step would be for Gerard to be taken off the ventilator and we are delighted to say this has now happened and we are encouraged by this positive progress,’’ said a club statement.

The 54-year-old Frenchman had complained of chest pains during half-time of Saturday’s game with Leeds and tests showed he was suffering from a condition known as dissection of the aorta and had not had a heart attack.

Jacques Crevoisier, a member of the Liverpool coaching staff, admitted that stress had been in the air at Anfield in the days leading up to the Leeds clash.

‘‘The stress was palpable with the pile-up of matches and cascade of injuries,’’ the Frenchman told Liverpool Football Club's website.

‘‘But there was nothing to let you predict an outcome like this. Gerard seemed calm in the morning.’’

Meanwhile, Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish told the website of the pressure of being Liverpool manager.

‘‘For some years now Liverpool supporters have grown increasingly frustrated by the success of Manchester United and Gerard Houllier has dedicated his life to restoring the club as number one in the country,’’ said Dalglish, who quit his post as Anfield boss after admitting the pressure had become too much.

‘‘His entire energy has been directed towards giving Liverpool back its pride and prestige and the three cups he won last season were testimony that he was on the way to achieving that.

‘‘It broke my heart to walk away from Liverpool when the pressure was getting to me but I was fortunate to be able to make that decision without having to go under the surgeon’s knife.’’