Now supporters are hoping the start of Liverpool’s FA Cup campaign can see a change in their fortunes.

Liverpool head for Maine Road on Sunday and a potentially dangerous encounter with a resurgent Manchester City side.

Houllier remains convinced they will turn the corner – and chief executive Rick Parry is also a believer.

“When you go through a difficult period, you can count the people you can rely on, “ said Houllier.

“I must say the board, the chairman (David Moores) and Rick have been extremely supportive. We celebrate together, we suffer together.

“Working in this job is about stability. Look what happened with Terry Venables. He went through a difficult period but got the vote of confidence, the people backed him.

“Throughout the season every manager goes through a period of heavy criticism.

“Because we have gone 10 games without a win, maybe ours is a bit longer - too long for my taste.

“It was Terry, at some stage it was even Alex Ferguson. When Arsene Wenger lost four games in a row it was him.

“This job, whether you are at the top, bottom or the middle, is always about pressure. We like it.

“Don’t get me wrong, I am not happy with the results and I share that sadness with the players.

“We focus on what we can achieve and I maintain that I have great faith and great belief in them.”

Houllier says he will not be too concerned if Liverpool go another few games without winning as their long-term strategy is correct.

“We are in a situation where if you don’t get the results you want there is a creeping lack of confidence,” he said.

“But it is also a good situation to be in as it is an ideal opportunity to look at things and sharpen again your values.

“We have an ideal opportunity to bounce back, which I think we will. But whether we have one, two or three more games without a win I am not bothered.

“I know we have the quality and the right attitude. It is just a matter of time.”