Carra week: Houllier's view

Former Reds boss Gerard Houllier has paid tribute to Jamie Carragher ahead of his testimonial match this weekend and believes the defender will make a great manager himself one day.

Houllier is due to attend Carra's benefit match on Saturday as a Liverpool XI takes on Everton at Anfield.

The Frenchman is desperate to make the effort to be there to honour someone he believes is unique in football.

"There aren't many footballers like Carra," Houllier said in this week's LFC Weekly. "Carra is a very, very good player but most importantly, he is a very good man.

"When I first became manager, he was jovial and lively but in the years since I've left, he may have changed his attitude around the dressing room because of maturity. For me, he always created a balanced ambience.

"He is a man who possesses what the French call a joie de vivre (joy of life) and appreciates where he is. Some people say they love football but I don't think many people love football quite as much as Carra. Of all the players I've managed, he is probably the most fanatical about the game.

"The most important aspect of his character, though, is that he's a very loyal person. I could always rely on him in football and away from football."

There are no signs of Carragher slowing down yet, but Houllier believes our No.23 is well placed to make the graduation from player to manager one day.

"I think he's got a few good years left playing yet," said Houllier. "But he'd be a good manager because he only thinks about the team. Team is first. He is prepared to make decisions and sacrifices for his side.

"If one moment can sum up Carra's attitude towards football and life, it was in Istanbul when he was clearly very tired and suffering with cramp, but he still managed to throw himself into tackles to save the team."

The full Houllier interview, plus exclusives with Christian Poulsen and Brad Jones, are in this week's LFC Weekly. Also with this week's issue, receive a free Noughties Masters high quality print. Great subscriptions offers also available.

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