Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier moved to dampen media speculation about his future on Saturday, saying he was certain to remain in charge of the club for next season.

"I am 100 percent sure I will be here next season," Houllier told British newspapers. "The directors of the club are aware that the team has qualified three times for the Champions League in the last six years.

"I cannot prevent or stop the rumours but the speculation is a load of rubbish. I am currently having meetings with the chief executive preparing for next season."

Several reports in the British media on Thursday suggested Houllier, 56, would be leaving Liverpool within a week.

Houllier had emergency heart surgery in October 2001 and almost everyone inside and outside Anfield was pleased to see him back on the touchline six months later, but the Frenchman has delivered little since their treble season three years ago.

The pressure has mounted over the past few weeks as Liverpool consider a huge cash injection from Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who wants to buy a stake in the famous English premier league club.

Liverpool's haul of two major domestic cups and the UEFA Cup in 2001 gave Houllier the platform to move the club forward but they have struggled for Champions League football and few of his signings have made the grade in his six years at the club.