Exclusive: Gerard Houllier gives an insight into the depth of Klopp's Liverpool affair

Jurgen Klopp has given Liverpool fans back their belief

 

GERARD HOULLIER has revealed how deep Jurgen Klopp's passion for Liverpool runs.

 

The Frenchman, in an exclusive interview with News News Blog Sport, offers an insight into meeting Klopp at UEFA events and discussing the Anfield club at length.

Klopp took over as the Reds boss in October and has instilled a new belief and style of play.

Results have generally been positive but there have been speed bumps along the way.

 

In this interview it is when the conversation turns to Liverpool, to whom Houllier still refers as “us”, that his passion becomes obvious and he is intrigued by what Klopp’s reign could bring.

“Jurgen has personality,” Houllier tells Express Sport.

“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.

“In a way, he will bring something different. And the way he plays is a very modern way; high pressing, offensive football and quick transition.

 

“I don’t agree with those who say the standard in the Premier League is not what it was. Because the pace of the game is so high and so intense, you sometimes think it is not as technical as maybe it used to be.

“But it is still entertaining. You don’t find teams trying not to lose, they go for a win.

“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 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.”