Wiltord: No Houllier problem

Sylvain Wiltord insists he has no problems with new Lyon boss Gerard Houllier.

Wiltord was quoted as saying 'Anyone but Houllier' when asked about who would be their new manager earlier in the summer.

The former Liverpool manager was then installed as Paul Le Guen's replacement, but former Arsenal striker Wiltord insists there have been no problems between the two.

"There was no trouble," Wiltord told L'Equipe.

"We just had a private talk for about one minute, but it was enough.

"When I said that at that time, it was a kind of 'free-style' word. Moreover it is not up to the players to choose the coach.

"Actually I didn't know him. But as soon as the choice was made, I accepted it. I am a professional.

"Today we are starting to get to know each other and it is going smoothly. I never thought about leaving."

The 31-year-old is hoping for a big season at Lyon, who will go for a fifth consecutive French title, as well as trying to improve on their UEFA Champions League form.

"I am ready for a big season, and with the right preparation I am sure I will be fit.

"Being in the Champions League quarter finals twice, that means something. Getting a fifth national title would be an historical feat.

"Of course it would be fantastic to lift the European Cup at Stade de France. We are full of ambitions and we still want to grow and reach new levels."

Wiltord could be coming to the end of his career in the next few years, and he would love to make another trip to the World Cup with France next year.

"It is out of the question to think we could miss Germany. It is one of my personal aims.

"Having the captain's armband against Hungary was one of the most beautiful moments in my career.

"You can't imagine the pride I felt."