Babbel set for Liverpool exit

Defender Markus Babbel has been told he no longer figures in Liverpool FC manager Gérard Houllier's plans and can leave the club on a free transfer.

Recent dismissal
The 30-year-old German international, who has two years to run on his contract, failed to win back his place in the side this season after a year out through illness. Houllier has criticised the defender's attitude and poor disciplinary record after two dismissals for the reserves, including one for headbutting an Everton FC youngster last week, for which he was fined two weeks' wages.

Cup 'outburst'
Babbel's last senior appearance was in December in an English League Cup win at Aston Villa FC, where he showed his anger towards the bench when he was substituted. Houllier said: "It is not only because of the outburst during the [League] Cup, but he has been sent off twice in the reserves. The incident last week was unacceptable. He is no longer in my plans."

UEFA Cup goal
Since recovering from Guillian Barre Syndrome, Babbel has slowly fought his way back to fitness, although he has played just seven matches this season to make it 73 appearances for the club since joining at the beginning of the 1999/00 season from FC Bayern München. He played in Liverpool's three cup successes in 2000/01, scoring in the 5-4 UEFA Cup triumph against Deportivo Alavés.

Houllier 'disappointed'
Houllier added: "When you have talent there is no question you are capable of doing well for your club, but the motivation has to be there too. The attitude has to be right but in this case it has not been right. I think the club has been very fair to Markus. We stood by him and handed him a new contract. I am very disappointed with him."