Gerard Houllier has told RMC he sympathises with Arsene Wenger over his push on Jose Mourinho but says the British media blew the incident out of proportion.
Wenger clashed with Mourinho in the technical area at Stamford Bridge during Arsenal's 2-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Sunday, sparking a frenzy over the latest confrontation in the duo's long-running frosty relationship.
Wenger claimed he was merely trying to evaluate the well-being of Alexis Sanchez -- who had been left on the turf following a strong challenge by Gary Cahill -- and fellow Frenchman Houllier says he understands his compatriot's actions.
"Firstly, I understand Arsene, because he was annoyed because there was a tackle by Cahill on Sanchez. He simply wanted to see if his player was OK, and he pushed Mourinho, but it's a little bit of the media game over there, the folklore. Moreover, nothing happened after that," the former Liverpool manager said.
"It's true that they're not the best of friends, but that's just the way it is. I know Mourinho well. He's intelligent, nice. I can tell you that all the players who are with him adore him, they like his training sessions. I don't share the opinions he has voiced with regard to Arsene, but Arsene can look after himself."