Houllier told the Liverpool Echo: "I have been very surprised because I thought he was doing a good job. He brought them into the Premiership. He has kept them in the Premiership for two years, has signed some very good players and the club has enjoyed a good European campaign.
" Jean was my assistant manager when I was in France. He and Christian Damiano are two good guys. If you compare what they have done next to some clubs, they have done a good job."
