Houllier: Team spirit key to success

Houllier praises his players' never give in attitude

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has singled out his side's amazing team spirit as being the main factor behind the club's most successful campaign in years.

The Frenchman reflected on Liverpool's "magnificent season" which has seen them win the Worthington Cup, the FA Cup and the Uefa Cup.

The Reds' 4-0 win over Charlton on the last day of the season also made sure of third place in the league and a Champions League spot.

The best memory of this season is the quality of the spirit in the club

  Gerard Houllier

But when asked on BBC Five Live to pick out his favourite moment of the season, Houllier overlooked the silverware.

He said: "The best memory of this season is the quality of the spirit in the club.

"The spirit contributed a lot to the energy that we needed because we had to play games every two days sometimes.

"We got stronger and stronger as the season went on - not only physically but mentally.

"We were able to deal with a late equaliser in the Uefa Cup final, being 1-0 down against Arsenal in Cardiff.

"But we never let our heads go down.

"We have a good squad. If we sometimes don't have the skill we make up for it with the will."

The Anfield boss said he was optimistic about Liverpool's chances of success in the future.

We have already reaped some reward and benefits from our hard work but it's not finished

  Gerard Houllier

But he admitted there was still much to be done to break Manchester United's dominance of the domestic game.

Houllier added: "I'm very content because the team is young and improving and progressing.

"I said about a year ago that all we need now is time and experience.

"We have already reaped some reward and benefits from our hard work but it's not finished.

"We need another two or three years to mature."