Louise Goulding 20 October 2009
Gerard Houllier has labelled Liverpool fans 'the best supporters in the world' as two of his former clubs prepare to meet at Anfield tonight.
The Frenchman spent six years in charge of the Reds, before going on to manage Olympique Lyonnais from 2005 to 2007.
"At Anfield the fans are fantastic - the best in the world. You'll see the singing at the beginning of the game and it makes you shiver, it gives you some kind of different feeling," Houllier told Lyon TV.
"They're very supportive of their team. They like good football and they like their team to win, but not necessarily in an ugly way - they want their team to win in style."
The 62-year-old also revealed his admiration for his successor Rafa Benitez and Liverpool's current crop of players.
"Liverpool are a prestigious club," he said. "To me they are one of the best, if not the best, in Europe, with fantastic people, a great coach and good players."
However, the former French international manager, who will be at Anfield for the first ever meeting between the two sides, would not be drawn on who he wanted to win the game – but could not hide his passion for Liverpool.
He said: "I will definitely be at the game and I don't think I will show my feelings and emotions who ever scores, but everyone knows that Liverpool is deep in my heart and always will be."
Houllier also spoke of his frustration at not coming up against the Reds in the Champions League during his two years in charge of the French outfit.
He added: "I played nearly 20 Champions League games with Lyon and I never had the opportunity to meet one single British team, but since I've left they have played Manchester United and now they are playing Liverpool."
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N166137091020-0848.htm