"Guy and I have known each other for over 25 years," said Houllier. "A year ago we were in the same hotel in Corsica for rehabilitation; he had had a bypass and I had my problems. It was very strange but we spent Christmas together.
"It is a special game, I've been waiting for five years to play a French team since I came here and we draw the only French team left.
"It is against a manager I respect a lot. He has done a great job there.
"The two sides are very similar, both young sides full of energy. It's a very exciting draw."
