The Liverpool manager said Gerrard "just wasn't good enough" after he was substituted as his side crashed out of the Champions League after failing to beat FC Basle.

But he told the Liverpool Echo newspaper that with the right support, Gerrard would recover the form that saw him talked about as one of the world-class talents with both the Reds and England.

"He's going through a difficult period and he needs help from myself, his team-mates and the coaching staff," Houllier said.

But while Houllier pledged to give Gerrard his full support, he added he wanted to see a dramatic improvement - and quickly.

Houllier continued: "I spoke to Steven last night. We have a kind of meeting on a regular basis.

"Every player has got to question himself and say: 'Am I doing the right things? Can he do more for the team and himself?'

"I have to say I have not mentioned anything about Steven's lifestyle. That's not a problem. But it's a fact that since the last game with the national team, he's not performed to his level.

"To me the standard he can perform to is higher and because I rate him so much, I expect him to give more."