Gerard Houllier has claimed that new Aston Villa manager Remi Garde possesses "social intelligence", which helps him interact with the players.

Garde managed to claim a point against Manchester City in his first game in charge after being appointed Villa boss last week.

Houllier, who worked with the 49-year-old when the pair were at Lyon, believes that his fellow Frenchman has all the qualities to succeed as a Premier League manager.

"When I worked with Remi, he was loyal, clever and had a good understanding of the game," Houllier told the club's official website.

"When I say clever I mean he has good social intelligence - he knows what players think and how they will react in certain situations. That's a very good trait to have.

"He is very calm and composed too and despite not managing here in England before, he knows the Premier League definitely."

Garde spent three years playing for Arsenal.