Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier is happy to be locking horns with Arsenal's Arsene Wenger again.
Despite this admiration, he is eager to lead Villa to three points and progress up the Barclays Premier League table.
He told Villa's website: "Arsene has been a friend for maybe 30 years now. We spent so many hours together talking football and going to games.
"In 1988, 1990, 1994 we were practically together in World Cups and European Championships.
"One mission of a manager is not only to win trophies, but also to leave a legacy - new stadium, new training facilities and new team. He's been there 14 years.
"He has work, passion - if you love the game you work - and, of course, expertise. He's got a lot of expertise for the game.
"He is like me. I think I started coaching in 1973. He's two years older I think.
"I started as a player-coach. He started in Strasbourg. He came on the major scene in France in the mid-eighties.
"In terms of the game, it's big for both teams. A good team doesn't lose twice in a row. You could say the same for us. We have never lost twice in a row ourselves and that is something we have to understand."
