Tuesday 15 December 2015 07:06, UK
Gerard Houllier says Jurgen Klopp was a big Liverpool fan long before he took over at Anfield in October.
The Frenchman, who managed the Reds for six years, says he had regular conversations with Klopp when they met at UEFA events where they talked at length about the club.
Klopp has suffered just two defeats in 14 matches since succeeding Brendan Rodgers at Anfield.
"Jurgen has personality," Houllier told the Daily Express. "I know Jurgen from UEFA meetings and he has always liked Liverpool. He had a passion for the club. He was always talking about Liverpool; what we did, how we lived.
"I can tell you he was a true fan of Liverpool and he was following the results before going there."
Houllier, who won the FA Cup, UEFA Cup and two League Cups while in charge at Anfield, is excited about what Klopp's tenure could bring and says progression to the last four of the Capital One Cup could act as a springboard for success.
"In a way, he will bring something different," Houllier said. "And the way he plays is a very modern way; high pressing, offensive football and quick transition.
"I like what Jurgen said, 'I am not going to sign anybody'. They are in the semi-final of the Capital One Cup, which could give a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.
"We saw that when we won and you saw that with Chelsea. When [Jose] Mourinho won that trophy [in 2005], he won the title on the back of it.
"Sometimes with a competition like that you get a sense of relief first because you win something and then it gives you confidence. I would not neglect that aspect of their season and they play the second leg of their semi-final at home. It is interesting.
"They are still in the Europa League too, and they have a role to play in that. That can bring them confidence."
