Houllier praises Premiership

Former Liverpool and Lyon boss Gerard Houllier praised the English Premiership after four of the final eight teams left in the Champions League were all from the English top flight. The Frenchman believes that the English sides are much more tactically sound now, and this has contributed to their success.

"Above all, it's the game," Houllier told L'Equipe. "The English league is generally athletically superior. The rhythm of the games is so much quicker.

"The commitment is also very strong, and I don't think there's any better preparation for the Champions League than Premier League games."

Houllier believes finances could be a problem for French teams failure to qualify for the final rounds: "I think there are other clubs in Italy, plus Real Madrid, who have as much money as the English sides, so I don't think you can put (their success) down to money, even if it does help to bring together lots of quality players in the same championship."