I think the players would be the first to admit that their own fans have been a rock behind them. They never lost faith and always got right behind the team. That counts for a great deal. While Houllier accepts fortune has played no small part, he insists it's the teamwork and professionalism of his players that has been decisive in securing a unique treble. It's been drummed into this side that they must take care of themselves and that will pay dividends.
Nothing is overlooked at the club from fitness to diet.
But without the players' co-operation, it counts for nothing. Such discipline has been particularly important in recent months as Liverpool have undergone a punishing schedule competing on four separate fronts. While they can now take stock of their success, Houllier insists he won't be taking it easy and, in fact, the players will now have less time to rest over the summer because of their achievement. I find it hard to get away. When one season is over you are looking towards the next and that means the hard work has to be put into place before pre-season training starts.