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Tributes flow in for Gerard Houllier, who has passed away aged 73

The former France and Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has died. News of the Frenchman's passing wa...
Colm Boohig
Colm Boohig

10:59 AM - 14 Dec 2020



Tributes flow in for Gerard Ho...

Sport

Tributes flow in for Gerard Houllier, who has passed away aged 73

Colm Boohig
Colm Boohig

10:59 AM - 14 Dec 2020



The former France and Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has died.

News of the Frenchman's passing was confirmed on Monday morning, just days after having heart surgery in Paris. He was 73 years of age.

Houllier began his managerial career in 1973 with Le Touquet before taking over at Paris Saint-Germain in 1985 where he won the French title in his first season. Three years later, Houllier became the assistant manager of France and was appointed head coach in 1992, however, France failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup under his guidance.

It was at Liverpool where Houllier truly flourished. He was first appointed joint-manager with Roy Evans in 1998 but was soon the sole man in charge. Houllier delivered the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup treble for Liverpool in the 2000/01 season.

He added the Charity Shield and European Super Cup at the start of the following campaign but weeks later underwent an emergency operation after falling ill in a Premier League match at Anfield against Leeds United.

Houllier returned to the dugout five months later, with his assistant Phil Thompson taking charge in the interim.

Liverpool's Manager Gerard Houllier (l) and assistant Phil Thompson have words with Captain Steven Gerrard (r)

Upon Houllier's return, Liverpool finished second in the Premier League that season and lifted the League Cup the following campaign. But he was gone by the end of 2003/04, with Liverpool failing to mount a serious title challenge in the previous two years.

He spent two seasons as Lyon manager in the mid-2000s where he led his side to consecutive Ligue 1 championships. In 2010, Houllier returned to the Premier League, replacing Martin O'Neill as the Aston Villa boss, but he only lasted the season amid more health issues in what was a transitional period for the club. It was to be Houllier's last job in football.

Following the announcement of his passing on Monday, tributes have been flooding in for Gerard Houllier.



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