Gerard Houllier's condition showed signs of improvement last night as the Liverpool manager began his recovery from almost 11 hours of open-heart surgery. Houllier suffered an acute dissection of the aorta at half-time during Saturday's Premiership draw with Leeds United. He regained consciousness yesterday and, while unable to communicate, is apparently aware of what is happening around him.

"It's very good news," said the Liverpool assistant manager Phil Thompson. "He's come off the ventilator and continues to improve. The surgeons will see how he reacts but they're well pleased.

"It put a good smile on everybody's face this morning and has given the whole squad a timely lift. I'd love the players to be 100 per cent on the game but I'm not daft. They are concerned at Gerard's state of health and asking about him all the time."

Staff at the Broadgreen cardiothoracic centre reiterated the 54-year-old had not suffered a heart attack and his heart was in "excellent condition".

"It's frightening, really," said the club captain Jamie Redknapp. "The gaffer has been a very positive man who lives for football. To see him in hospital is upsetting and all our thoughts are with his family. The Champions League was always his goal, so we have to make sure we put on a good show for him."