As reported on TEAMTALK
Liverpool have dismissed suggestions that Gerard Houllier will resume his managerial duties when the side travel to Barcelona next week.
Speculation has been rife that the Frenchman, who is still recovering from major heart surgery, will lead his team out again at Barcelona's Nou Camp next Wednesday night in the crucial Group B Champions League fixture.
And although Houllier himself last month said he would return in March, it is more likely to be at the end of the month, rather than imminently - despite his arrival last night back in the country.
A spokesman for the club told TEAMtalk that whilst he had returned to British shores, he had not resumed his duties with the club.
"Contrary to reports in the newspapers, Gerard Houllier is not behind his desk at Melwood," the spokesman said.
That means that Houllier, who last night returned to Liverpool after a period of convalescence in France, is more likely to be pencilling in the Anfield clash with Charlton on March 30, or the home encounter with Blackburn one week later.
Although Houllier gave his players a pep talk ahead of the Newcastle match tonight, he will not be at the game at Anfield himself, despite reports to the contrary.
The Reds will continue under the caretaker command of assistant manager Phil Thompson, who also confirmed the Frenchman would more likely be back in action by the end of the month.
"Gerard is fine, absolutely fine. It's all going according to plan and he will be back mid to late March," he said.
Houllier has not taken charge at Liverpool since being taken ill during the 1-1 draw with Leeds back in October.
