Monday, November 9, 1998 Published at 19:14 GMT
Evans attacks former stars
Testing times for Evans and Houllier
Roy Evans has broken off from preparing for his team's Worthington Cup clash with Tottenham to criticise former Liverpool stars who have attacked the club's joint management team.
Leading the criticism was BBC pundit Alan Hansen, who described current Liverpool players as "mediocre" on Match of the Day.
Anfield legend Tommy Smith has also said Evans has taken Liverpool as far as he can.
But the manager said: "Former players always seem to have a pop at us in these situations and I always think that is disappointing.
"They have tried this job for themselves - or not tried at all - and now they think they know all the answers."
The two Liverpool bosses sat side by side on Monday as speculation about their positions grew.
Chairman David Moores has refused to make any statement after reportedly spending half an hour talking to fans after Saturday's match.
It is believed that the management role will be discussed at boardroom level this week.
And Evans' comments sugest he would simply like a decision.
"All the speculation isn't nice, because you feel you are in limbo," he said.
Jamie Redknapp, Patrik Berger, Steve Staunton and Steve McManaman are all injured, while a flu bug has struck David James, Steve Harkness and Paul Ince.
Karlheinz Riedle has trained after a groin injury and has a 50-50 chance of playing against Spurs.
Evans demanded more of his team: "We have got to be more decisive, to play better as a team and start getting the results."
Graham - cut out the mistakes
Tottenham manager George Graham has also called on his team to respond to a Saturday defeat.
"We need to eliminate the individual errors. Against Villa we gave away two silly goals," he said.
New signing Mauricio Taricco is out injured, as are Les Ferdinand, Chris Armstrong, Justin Edinburgh and Paolo Tramezzani.
David Ginola will be fit as he tries to increase the pressure on countryman Houllier, the man who ended his career with the French national team.
Branagan misses out
Tuesday's other games in the Worthington Cup see Bolton at home to Wimbledon.
The home side's Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Keith Branagan is out for three-months after undergoing a hernia operation, while defender Mark Fish is doubtful with a leg injury.
Wimbledon will be without Michael Hughes but Neal Ardley and Efan Ekoku are available.
At Kenilworth Road, Luton take on Barnsley after knocking Premiership Coventry out of the competition in the last round.
The second division club have won the Worthington Award for their efforts in the last round.
They will be without experience fullback Mitchell Thomas who suffered a bad cut over his right eye during Saturday's defeat at Stoke.
Barnsley are without cup-tied Bruce Dyer and Alan Moore while Matty Appleby is doubtful with a foot injury.