The former Reds boss made a return to English football when he was appointed Aston Villa boss on Wednesday evening. Steven Gerrard was quick to back the appointment and is sure Houllier will be a success.
"I've still got quite a close relationship with Gerard. He gave me my chance at the top level and I certainly learnt an awful lot from him," said the skipper.
"Aston Villa have got themselves a very good manager and I am not surprised Gerard has come back into the Premier League. I know how much he loves football. He has been desperate to get back involved in the Premier League so it is no surprise to me.
"It has been no surprise to me that Villa have been interested in him because he is a top manager.
"We had a magnificent year in 2001. He came in and had to change an awful lot of things at Liverpool and that is what he is good at.
"When he comes in, he knows what he wants, and he knows how to get a winning team. That showed by the five trophies we won under him."