---
title: "Houllier says he is “surprised” Liverpool fans still like him – he is underrated"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/houllier-says-he-is-surprised-liverpool-fans-still-like-him-he-is-underrated/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Articles"
published: "2019-10-01T19:00:08Z"
modified: "2019-10-01T19:00:08Z"
---

# Houllier says he is “surprised” Liverpool fans still like him – he is underrated

Gerard Houllier has become an underrated figure at Liverpool who deserves to be remembered in a positive light.

The Frenchman took charge of the Reds between 1998 and 2004, memorably winning a cup treble in 2001, as well as the League Cup two years later.

Speaking to the [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/10/01/gerard-houllier-exclusive-interview-surprised-liverpool-fans/](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/10/01/gerard-houllier-exclusive-interview-surprised-liverpool-fans/)*[Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/10/01/gerard-houllier-exclusive-interview-surprised-liverpool-fans/)*, Houllier revealed he is always shocked by the reception he receives when he goes back to Liverpool:

> You know, when I go back to Liverpool I am surprised when the people are so nice to me.

> It is nice to go to Anfield and hear people speak so fondly of the European nights we started to bring back.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

It’s a strange comment from Houllier and one that suggests he feels badly about the way things ended for him at Anfield.

The 72-year-old’s final two seasons were hugely disappointing, despite the aforementioned League Cup triumph, and it did seem to tarnish his reputation.

Houllier should always be held in extremely high regard by Reds fans, considering he got them into the Champions League for the first time and achieved so much success back in 2000/01.

He turned Liverpool from something of a laughing stock into a force again, almost winning the Premier League title in 2001/02.