By Craig McWalter
April 10 2002

Gerard Houllier insisted did not regret the substitution of Dietmar Hamann as The Reds European hopes were ended in a 4-2 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen. Hamann left the pitch with the scores level at 1-1, with the Germans needing two goals to progress.

The home side completed the turnaround, sealing a 4-3 aggregate success to book a Champions League semi-final with either Manchester United or Deportivo La Coruna

Many believed Hamann was injured, but Houllier confirmed he made the replacement for tactical reasons. He said: "I don't regret it.

"I think his contribution could have been better. I think the combination of Steven Gerrard and Danny Murphy worked better."

He continued on the ITV Sport channel: "I think we had the opportunity to kill the game off, we had the chances.

"But I'm pleased with the all-round performance of the boys in Europe.

"That was our 17th game - if you include the Super Cup - and we've lost for the first time away and only for the second time.

"I'm pleased with the European campaign. We're learning - maybe this game was a bit too much for the boys. We usually finish stronger.

"I'm not disappointed with the effort - it was a great game of football.

"I thought at times we were in a good position but we always seemed to not have the confidence to keep the game in our hands. Unfortunately the first goal hit our confidence."

"Leverkusen are a good side - you have to give credit to them."

The Frenchman admitted Michael Owen's failure to take any of his three chances proved decisive.

He continued: "The regret is we had the chances which is a good sign. Michael got himself into position and in many occasions he has saved us - today nobody would blame him."

Houllier - who revealed he believes Manchester United would "definitely" win the semi-final with Leverkusen, assuming they complete an aggregate success against Deportivo La Coruna - must now rally his troops for a final assault on the Premiership title.

He added: "We've got the character, we've got the guts to do well and we've got some talent as well.

"There are still five games to win - but we'll have to show our character and bounce back against Sunderland at the weekend."