Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier says the rhythm of the Premiership is ideal preparation for English clubs competing in the Champions League.

"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, who managed in England for six years before taking charge of Lyon from 2005 and 2007, disagrees.

"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," Houllier said.

"I think the English teams are much more tactically sound than 10 years ago. Maybe that's due to the foreign managers.

"There are not many English managers among the top teams in England."