Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has re-opened the war of words between him and Rafael Benitez by revealing that a Liverpool player contacted him after the Spaniard was sacked earlier this summer, telling the Frenchman “Boss, he hasn’t beaten you”.

Houllier guided Liverpool to six trophies during his time in charge on the red half of Merseyside but was sacked in 2004 with Benitez replacing him in the hot seat. The 63-year-old Frenchman did not mince his words when asked about the Spaniard’s record compared to his, claiming that Benitez’s Champions League win in 2005 was achieved using a team that was largely the result of Hollier’s work.

“After Rafa Benitez left this summer, one of the players sent me a message: ‘Boss, he hasn’t beaten you’,” Houiller said.

“When I came into the changing room in Istanbul some of the players said: ‘Boss it’s your team’,” Houiller recalled.

“Twelve out of 14 in Istanbul were players I had signed or developed. I left Liverpool with a team and in the Champions League. But when you finish seventh with Torres and Gerrard…”

However, Houllier believes that the appointment of Roy Hodgson could restore the club to their former glories, with the restoration of the Anfield “Boot Room” possibly on the cards.

Houllier and Hodgson were acquainted during their time working together on UEFA and FIFA technical committees, and hinted that the former Fulham boss may restore a much lauded tradition back in the club eventually by mentoring former players or supporting coaches to become a future Anfield boss.

“Bill Shankly was followed by his assistant Bob Paisley, then Joe Fagan, then Kenny Dalglish then Graeme Souness then Roy Evans. My arrival was greeted with, Gerard who?” explained Houllier.

Tags: English Premier League, football managers, Gerard Houllier, Liverpool, Rafael Benitez, Roy Hodgson