HOULLIER ORDERS PLAYERS TO STAY COOL

Gerard Houllier has called on his players to keep cool in the expected white hot atmosphere of Ewood Park as the Reds begin the defence of the Carling Cup at Blackburn Rovers.

The Liverpool manager says his players will probably have thoughts about Jamie Carragher and Milan Baros from the fiery Premiership encounter, but said once the whistle blows his team will be going for the win.

Houllier said: "I'm sure the boys will be thinking about Jamie and Milan, but when the game kicks off you don't think about things like that. You play to win the game and that is the only approach.

"It is important we keep cool heads, especially in the context of this game. But it will be okay. I trust both teams to have common sense and stay cool enough.

"It is like the derby - you have to keep your head to get anything out of those games. We have done well because of that and I will be saying that to the boys before the game.

"Composure is a very important element in the modern game, particularly when the pressure is on. That's why I was so pleased with the approach to the Leeds game."

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