Thompson: I'm ready to tough it out

Phil Thompson last night gave an ominous insight into the style of leadership Liverpool's players can expect during Gerard Houllier's absence by warning them: 'I'm not here to be liked.'

Liverpool's assistant manager presented himself as a man who loves the club and readily admits that Houllier has taught him everything he knows.

But he insisted he will not change the aggressive approach that has frequently brought him into conflict with the Anfield squad.

A training-ground row with Robbie Fowler in the build-up to the Charity Shield match against Manchester United in August was the most spectacular, and Thompson admitted it was far from being an isolated incident.

He said: 'I'm probably a bit more passionate than most people when it comes to putting points across and there have been set-tos with players. 'I may come across as being a bit abrasive most of the time but I'm not one for holding grudges.

'That was the case with Robbie. A lot was made of that incident but it has not caused any lasting problem. It has all been sorted out long since and the two of us are just great.

'In fact, the only thing that worries me about all that is that it gets to Robbie when it keeps being mentioned. Every time there is something to be said or written about him, it brings it all back. That is not helping him and I wish people would leave it alone.'

Thompson's first task in temporary control will be to guide Liverpool through tonight's Champions League meeting with Dynamo Kiev in the Olympyskyi Stadium.

And he warned that he will not hold back from launching into his players if they fail to meet Liverpool's high standards, adding: 'I can't help the way I am and I cannot say 100 per cent that I will be able to change just because I'm in charge for the time being.

'It depends how the game is going and I can't be sure I won't react in the usual way if something happens that gets my back up. I would like to think not, but who knows when you are as passionate as I am about football and Liverpool in particular. 'It is a fact that I'm not here to be liked. But I do believe the players appreciate that I'm trying to do what is best for the team.'

Kiev coach Valeri Lobanowski returned to management after major heart surgery and believes his example should act as a spur for Houllier.

Club spokesman Sergei Polkhovski said:'Our coach will take the opportunity to pass on his best wishes for Gerard Houllier's recovery.

'He had heart surgery five years ago, but it has not slowed him down at all. In fact, he still enjoys a glass of brandy every now and then in between training sessions.'