Houllier revealed at that time how his old rival Sir Alex had checked in on him, saying: “He came to see me at the hospital. He has got that human warmth. I had a few managers who came – Sir Alex, of course, Arsene Wenger my friend, and Sven-Goran Eriksson came as well.
“The rivalry [with Sir Alex] is something healthy for football but there is no rivalry between us two managers. There were a few opportunities where sometimes he gave me a call and some help.
“Look at his tremendous record with different teams. I think he is a genius. Getting to the top is something - staying at the top is another thing completely. I had a good record against him – that is what Sir Alex said - ‘you are more successful against Manchester United than even Bob Paisley.’
“He’s been a friend for a long time, before I came to England and even after. We met at coaches’ get-togethers organised by Andy Roxburgh at UEFA and sometimes on holiday. We’ve been friends and whatever happens in the game we will remain friends.”