Houllier took charge at Aston Villa this week following O’Neill’s exit earlier this summer.
“Several times I thought Martin would succeed me at Liverpool,” said Houllier.
“All I know is that he is a great manager and brought up a good squad at Aston Villa. This is one of the reasons we have a good base to work from.
“It is difficult to succeed to him – but it is always difficult to succeed anybody. When it is difficult, it is exciting.
“I trust the squad, I trust the players, I believe there is potential here to do something well.
“I know that Martin was nearly there. One player left (James Milner) but another one came (Stephen Ireland) who is quite skilful too.
“We will do our best to achieve what we want and more. It will take time but we know that. My philosophy is progress, performance, and pleasure.”
“We know at some stage we need to improve the team gradually,” he added.
“But I don’t think January is always a good period because you don’t get the best (players) but we’ll prepare for the future.
“I am quite happy with the squad. When people say Aston Villa is a good club, they also add that they have got good players.
“They must have because they finished in a Europa League position (sixth).”
