Gerard Houllier: Jurgen Klopp can win Liverpool the Premier League title that eluded Rafa Benitez

Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has tipped Jurgen Klopp to lead the Merseysiders to the Premier League title that eluded both him and Rafa Benitez during their tenures at Anfield. Houllier believes the German's style is ideal for both the club and its fans.

Houllier spent four seasons in charge of Liverpool, and despite leading them to a cup treble in 2001 – comprising the Uefa Cup, FA Cup and League Cup – failed to have the same success in the league. Benitez, meanwhile, conquered the Champions League in his debut season at the club but could not end their wait for a top-flight title that has lasted since 1990.

Klopp vowed to win a title within his first four years at Anfield, and Houllier is convinced that the German will live up to the lofty goals he has set.

"I hope he does it for the fans of Liverpool. Benitez finished second, I finished second as well – but we never managed to get to the first place," he said as quoted by the club's official website. "In Benitez's time it was Manchester United he was up against, and in my time it was Arsenal who were winning and [going] on this undefeated run. It will be difficult because Chelsea, Manchester City, the usual suspects, are always there. But at some stage I think the club can get bigger and probably win a title. That's what all the fans want and they've been waiting years for that."

Houllier believes that apart from titles Klopp will bring fresh enthusiasm to the fans as his "leadership is a transfer of emotion".

"Since [Liverpool] decided to part company with Brendan Rodgers, I thought they would be looking for a different type of management. And I'm glad Jurgen has joined because he is very keen on Liverpool. He likes the club, he likes the values of the club and I would think he will bring a lot to it.

"Leadership is a transfer of emotion, and in that case I would say [Klopp] will be good. Jurgen is a very emotional man whether he wins or loses, and I think his style of management will fit in well with this squad. It will also match, I would say, the values and probably the enthusiasm of the fans there."