SILVERWARE IS LIVERPOOL’S DNA
Former boss so proud to see Reds once again become a trophy-winning machine
GERARD HOULLIER bursts with pride as he reflects on his memories of lifting trophies with Liverpool.
Not just at his own fulfilment and satisfaction but because he believes that “the DNA of Liverpool is silverware”.
The club’s former French boss is now eagerly awaiting what seems an inevitable title triumph.
Not since 1990 have the Reds been crowned champions of England and never before in the Premier League.
But that sorry statistic for one of the historic powerhouses of English football will surely end when the delayed season resumes.
Houllier is thrilled at the prospect after a long love affair with Liverpool which peaked when he lifted six trophies as boss from 1998-2004.
His only regret is the club’s fans won’t be there as games are behind closed doors due to Covid-19.
Houllier, 72, said: “The DNA of Liverpool is silverware. To get the title it is a special reward for everyone. It has been a long wait.
“It is a title which is a reward to the fans for their loyalty.
“It rewards all the Liverpool supporters all around the world. It is a title which rewards the players and their staff.
“Not only will they win it but they will do it in style with a 25-point lead at the moment which has never been seen before.
“In my time we were lucky to have six trophies. But Jurgen Klopp won the Champions League last season then the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and now this.
“It is just a shame Liverpool fans won’t be able to experience it at Anfield. The fans I hope will be disciplined enough to wait until better times to celebrate the title.
“I hope to be there then too but we don’t know yet when they are going to be crowned.”
Back in Houllier’s day it was Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard who were key as they memorably lifted the old UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup in 2001.
Now Houllier traces the recent upturns in Liverpool’s fortunes to the crucial additions of star defender Virgil van Dijk, right, in January 2018 and Brazilian keeper Alisson just months later.
“He bought two players who made a huge difference – Van Dijk and Alisson,” he said. “He spotted the weak points of the team and if you look at the results since Van Dijk and Alisson have been there it is phenomenal.
“Even last year I would say they nearly deserved the title. They had one defeat in 38 games and had 97 points.
“It was just because Manchester City were outstanding as well and had one more point. You have to give credit, which Jurgen did, to Manchester City who were phenomenal. “City also won the title the year before with 100 points. “Then the following season to have 98, that is tremendous and you have to acknowledge that.” Despite Liverpool’s supremacy this season, Houllier is sceptical as to whether the club will be able to repeat their dominance from the 1980s when they won the title six times.
Houllier added: “Of course they have a chance but if you ask me I think now the competition between Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham and all these clubs will play a bigger part.”
So Houllier wants Liverpool fans to savour the celebrations of this imminent title triumph when the virus allows. Their former boss will look to join in as well and raise a glass with of his preferred tipple... a French red.