Gerard Houllier: 'Kenny Dalglish needs time'

Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has called for Liverpool fans to give Kenny Dalglish time to turn the team's League fortunes around.

The Scot has guided the Reds to League Cup glory this season and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, but has endured fan criticism over his side's Premier League form.

"They won the League Cup, the same way we did in 2001," said the Frenchman. "It's a good sign for the future. I think he's heading in the same direction, just give him some time," The Mirror quotes Houllier as saying.

"Liverpool need another year to kick in. They have had a lot of recruitment done and a lot of problems, so give him some time."

The Merseyside club have not won the league since 1990, and Houllier believes that the hunger for another title has become an "obsession" among supporters.

He added: "There is too much expectation at Liverpool. They expect you to win the Champions League every year. That won't happen.

"The obsession is the league. Rafa Benitez finished second and I finished second once, but for all the cups we won, they wanted us to win the league."

Liverpool are in Premier League action this Sunday when they take on Newcastle United away.