Anigo disgusted by anti-Houllier mob

Marseille coach José Anigo branded as “disgusting” the treatment by some of his countryman Gerard Houllier, as the pair prepare to cross swords in the UEFA Cup.

Houllier has received death threats and been the subject of vile graffiti at Liverpool’s training ground in recent weeks.

But now he has found a supporter in the man who will try to heap more problems on him when Marseille face Liverpool in tomorrow’s UEFA Cup fourth-round first-leg tie at Anfield.

Anigo, recently promoted from reserve-team boss to take over an equally troubled Marseille who sacked Alain Perrin mid-season, is incensed at Houllier’s predicament.

“Firstly, it is disgusting to treat people like that,” he said.

“It shows a total lack of respect for a fellow human being, and people lower themselves when they act like that.”

He pointed out that Liverpool fans should look at Houllier’s overall record rather than the last few months.

“Just consider what Gerard Houllier has done for Liverpool,” he said.

“Yes, they were a great club when he arrived – but he has brought so much to the club.

“Fans should look at the list of trophies won and remember what he has done for the club before openly criticising.”

Anigo singled out Steven Gerrard as Liverpool’s danger man – as well as cheekily suggesting that Michael Owen would be the Marseille fans’ choice as a new striker.

“They have a fine squad with good players like Michael Owen and Harry Kewell. But if you looked at them all Steven Gerrard is now their best player – a fantastic midfielder.

“Owen is a fine player – just the sort Marseille fans would like to see at their club.”

Anigo expects Steve Marlet, on loan from Fulham, to start the match – having returned only recently to the side after three months out with an ankle problem.

But the coach declined to say whether Marlet, who left Fulham last summer, will be retained by Marseille.

He said: “It is too early to say whether Marlet will be with us next season.

“We need to take stock between now and the end of the season to decide who stays or goes.

“It is a tough one. He has been out for three months and in recent games he has struggled to complete 90 minutes. But now he is near to 100 per cent fitness, so we are able to judge him properly and then make a decision about next season.”

Anigo believes the UEFA Cup can salvage the season of both clubs.

Marseille have failed in the Champions League and struggled in the French league, while Liverpool have also had a season which has drawn constant criticism.

“It is said that the UEFA Cup comes around at just the right time to save seasons for clubs,” Anigo noted.

“I am sure that applies to Liverpool just as much as us – it can salvage something from a season.”