Houllier tips Gunners to progress
by Joseph Caron Dawe, 07 April 2008
Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has said that despite his longstanding affection for The Reds he believes Arsenal will make it through the sides’ Champions League quarter final tie.
The Gunners travel to Anfield on Tuesday looking to make it through to the semi-finals of Europe’s prestigious tournament after drawing 1-1 at Emirates last week, and Frenchman Houllier believes the North Londoners’ performance in the last round against Milan displayed their capability to make it through.
“I will always be a Liverpool fan for the rest of my life,” said Houllier, who spent six years at the club and is now technical director for the French Football Federation. “There are still players there that I got started and connections to the team which we set up.
“But after the way Arsenal played in Milan, I think they are the favourites even if they are having a bit of trouble in the league.
“In Milan I saw a team which is focused, committed and above all else very talented.”
Houllier did not stop there as he went on to praise fellow compatriot and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who he says has ‘special’ qualities.
“There are three things which make Arsene special. The first is that he is a hard worker blessed with a rare expertise, not just on football in general, but also on world football,” Houllier said.
“In other words he is a hard worker, an expert and also takes a very active approach towards the psychology of his players.
“Every manager has his own philosophy. I know the philosophy of Arsene Wenger's game depends on speed, technique and movement.”