Houllier: I see similarities
Gerard Houllier believes winning the Carling Cup could provide Liverpool with the impetus to clinch a domestic double this season and secure a return to the Champions League.
The former Anfield manager can see similarities between the current Reds side and the one he guided to an unprecedented cup treble in 2001.
Houllier feels lifting the League Cup 11 years ago provided his team with the momentum to go on and add the FA and UEFA Cups to the trophy cabinet and seal a Champions League berth - and he reckons it could be a similar story for Kenny Dalglish's side if they can prevail against Cardiff on Sunday.
"There are similarities in the reconstruction programmes between when I took over in 1998 and Kenny this time around," he said.
"It takes time to build a team and this is a transitional season for them. I think Kenny has made some very good buys. They are young players and they will get better and better over the next few years.
"Winning the League Cup in 2001 gave us so much confidence for the rest of the season. It was probably the most difficult final we had.
"But when you've done it once, you want to repeat it. The fans and the press said 'you've won one, why can't you win another one?' They pushed us towards the treble.
"Trophies exhilarate a team. Not only did we win two more finals but we went on a long unbeaten run in the league and got into a play-off for the Champions League.
"Liverpool have still got the FA Cup and a lot of good teams have already gone out of that. They have a good chance of getting a cup double.
"Winning the League Cup would be a tremendous boost for the rest of the season and will help Liverpool in their push to get into the top four."
Steven Gerrard will lead Liverpool out at Wembley on Sunday aiming to lift the fifth major domestic trophy of his career so far.
The midfielder was made Reds captain by Houllier in 2003 and his former gaffer believes the No.8 will continue to play a major role in the club's quests for glory in the coming years.
"Steven has great leadership qualities and inspires those around him," he said. "That's why I made him captain at such a young age. He thrives on responsibility.
"He was out injured for a long time but there are signs he's getting back to the top level.
"With Kenny in charge and Steven leading a team with so much potential, the future looks very bright for Liverpool.
"Winning the League Cup could be the start of something special."
Houllier added: "Liverpool have improved so much under Kenny.
"Some people questioned whether he had been out of management too long but he's clever. He had been going to all the games and has great knowledge.
"Kenny has been a friend for a long time. He welcomed me to Melwood back in 1985 when he had just taken over as player-manager and I attended the FA Cup final against Everton in 86.
"He has adapted since coming back and the club now have great stability with Ian Ayre, Damien Comolli and Kenny. Good leadership is vital.
"Getting that first trophy is hugely important. Liverpool Football Club has a culture of winning silverware."