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Thu 11 Nov 2002Houllier targets Gerrard's conceitGerard Houllier, the Liverpool manager, yesterday launched an outspoken attack on Steven Gerrard after the club's departure from the Champions League. He implied that conceit was impairing the midfielder's performance. The failings were a key factor in the 3-3 draw with Basel that means Liverpool will now forgo some £10 million of expected income from the tournament.Houllier, who has counselled Gerrard, was asked if the player was a listener. "Put it this way, he must be a good reader," the Frenchman said in an acid reference to Gerrard's supposed absorption with flattering headlines. The criticism was remarkable as a breach of the omerta that usually applies when a manager's deepest opinions are sought.