Houllier: I returned too soon

Gerard Houllier said today that he may have rushed back to work too soon following open heart surgery two years ago.

The Liverpool manager underwent an 11-hour operation after he was taken ill during his side's match against Leeds in October 2001. Houllier returned to his job six months later.

"I've felt far better since the beginning of the year and much stronger," said Houllier, who is under pressure after three straight defeats. "For the good of the club I came back too early and paid for it, but that's over."