"On Tuesday night I was like a fan of the club," he said. "I was really happy they got qualification. Sometimes, when you are the former coach of a team, you can have a kind of acrimony. But it is absolutely not the case for me.
"I had six good years at the club. I still have excellent relationships with the officials.
"A lot of English journalists called me to say that indeed ten players of the starting XI against Chelsea were mine.
"But when you are a coach, there are three important things: One - the results. Two - the influence you leave. Three - the heritage.
"Now there are spectacular training conditions. Benitez said the training centre is a gem. There are also the reinforcements.
Houllier also admitted he wasn't surprised that the home crowd played a huge role in Liverpool's victory after creating another famous Anfield European night.
"Anfield gives you goose pimples. The team feels supported and the adversary is inhibited. That stadium gives you additional energy.
"The European strength of Liverpool is their history. With Liverpool I played 57 European matches. We only lost seven. That means there is a European culture.
"This team is not at that level by chance. There is a very high level of experience. That is important.
"I explained that history to the players. They still have improved their experience. That is why they can achieve a great final. In one match, everything is possible."