Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has told the club’s supporters to “reserve judgment” on manager Gerard Houllier until the end of the season.
Liverpool’s Melwood training ground was daubed with anti-Houllier messages on Tuesday and there has been increasing specultaion that the Frenchman will be sacked at the end of the current campaign.
“It’s better to reserve judgment until the end of the season before deciding if it’s been good or bad,” Carragher said on Wednesday.
“If we get into the Champions League and pick up some silverware it might not be as bad as people are making out.”
“When criticism is flying about some players do go into their shell. You have to be strong enough to take it though,” he added.
“We are well rewarded and taking criticism is part of the job. It shouldn’t stop you taking responsibility and wanting to receive the ball during matches.”
Houllier described the graffiti demanding he leave the club as “distasteful” and said he would not distract him from carrying out his duties.
“We have to keep strong and make sure what is said and what is written doesn’t affect us,” Houllier said.
“I have told my team that at some stage someone has to pay for our frustration.”
