2020 has taken another legend of world football from us. Former Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier has sadly passed away aged 73. The Frenchman will always be warmly remembered for his stint managing Liverpool at the turn of the century but he achieved much more in the game.
Houllier was a thoroughly average footballer who managed the France national team that famously failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup and served as an assistant for Aime Jacquet when France won the 1998 World Cup. He will always be known around Merseyside as the man who changed the club's fortunes after the Spice Boys era. After being appointed joint manager with Roy Evans in 1998, Houllier eventually took over the job on his own. His standout achievement was winning the treble in the 2000-2001 season, especially that bonkers 2001 UEFA Cup win over Alaves. His fingerprints were also prominently over Liverpool's Champions League win in 2005.
After leaving Liverpool, Houllier would manage Lyon and succeed Martin O'Neill as Aston Villa manager. He also served as technical director for the French Football Federation when France defeated Ireland to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Heart issues disrupted his time as Liverpool and Villa manager and L'Equipe have reported that Houllier died following heart surgery in Paris.
When Gerard Houllier returned to Anfield after a health scare in 2002, he was given the warmest of welcomes and a warm embrace from Fabio Capello ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OaCejdwfiw
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 14, 2020
His former players paid tribute to him on social media this morning, with many describing how Houllier changed their career.
We are mourning the passing of our treble-winning manager, Gerard Houllier.
The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Gerard’s family and many friends.
Rest in peace, Gerard Houllier 1947-2020. pic.twitter.com/isHGXIfe5E— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 14, 2020
Absolutely devastated by the news about Gerard Houllier, I was in touch with him only last month to arrange him coming to Liverpool. Loved that man to bits, he changed me as a person & as a player & got @LFC back winning trophies. RIP Boss. 💔
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) December 14, 2020
Absolutely heartbroken to hear that my old boss, Gérard Houllier, has sadly passed away. A great manager and a genuinely caring man. #RIPBoss pic.twitter.com/klbkY3MCo4
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) December 14, 2020
Our thoughts are with the family of former France, Liverpool, PSG and Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier, as well as those close to him on Merseyside. RIP Gerard. pic.twitter.com/BeH5ry4obO
— Everton (@Everton) December 14, 2020
Devastating news about Gerard Houllier. He was a brilliant manager and a brilliant man.
He loved Liverpool as a club and a city and we loved him right back. He gave us pride and trophies and that is all you can ask of any manager. He rightfully sits as one of our greats. pic.twitter.com/voEObni14n— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) December 14, 2020
Devastating news about Gerard Houllier. Fine coach and manager but above all a wonderful, very caring person, the best company, could talk for hours about anything, football, travel, family, politics, anything. Deepest condolences to Gerard’s family and his many friends. RIP.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) December 14, 2020
