Houllier looking forward to Anfield return

When Aston Villa comes to Anfield on Monday, Gerard Houllier hopes that he's well-received by the fans that used to adore him.

The former Liverpool manager is making his return to Anfield -- a place where he won six trophies for the Reds -- when LFC and Aston Villa tangle on Monday.

"I know the fans will welcome me," Houllier said, according to the LFC website. "I'm sure because we had a close relationship and we worked together because the fans are part of the team. I know they contributed to the success that we had. They will remember [the success] and the fans in Liverpool, when I went back for TV reasons, were always full of cheerful hospitality."

One thing that will dampen the mood of Houllier's return, he says, is the absence of Liverpool veterans Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

"I would have wished Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher would be playing against us because I like them as men and as players," he said. "Unfortunately both of them will be absent. I wish Jamie the quickest recovery ever. I think Stevie will be back maybe one week later."

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This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.