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Liverpool paid tribute to former coach Gérard Houllier after his death was confirmed at 73.
The RMC sports and sports newspaper L’Equipe confirmed that he had died after heart surgery in Paris, and Liverpool issued a statement in recognition of the manager who led them to the FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup treble in 2000 / 01.
“We are mourning the passing of our coach, Gérard Houllier,” Liverpool said. On twitter. “The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Gerard’s family and many friends. Rest in peace, Gérard Houllier 1947-2020 ”.
Jamie Carragher added: “Absolutely devastated by the news about Gérard Houllier, I contacted him last month to organize his arrival at Liverpool. I loved that man in pieces, he changed me as a person and as a player and got @LFC win trophies again. RIP Boss “.
Houllier had a long history of medical problems and underwent heart surgery in 2001 after falling ill while coaching Liverpool against Leeds United. After a season in his hometown with Lyon, Houllier went on to manage Aston Villa for a season before working as a consultant for Red Bull.is Soccer net.
Former Liverpool striker and record scorer Ian Rush was one of the first to pay tribute. “Devastated by the passing of Gérard Houllier,” he wrote on Twitter. “A true gentleman of the game, always puts others first @LFC #RIP. “
Michael Owen, who was part of the Liverpool team that won the treble in 2001, added: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear that my old boss, Gérard Houllier, sadly passed away. A great manager and a genuinely caring man. “
Appointed by Liverpool in 1998 initially as co-manager with Roy Evans, Houllier spent a year working as an assistant at Alsop Comprehensive school while studying for a BA in English and attended his first game at Anfield in September 1969. Later He became a teacher in France before moving to management at the age of 26, making a name for himself first with Lens and then with Paris Saint-Germain, which he led to the Ligue 1 title in 1986.
Houllier was appointed France’s coach in 1992 after being assistant to Michel Platini, but left his post after Les Bleus failed to reach the 1994 World Cup finals after a surprising loss at home to eventuals. semi-finalists from Bulgaria. He returned to coach France’s youth teams and also worked as a technical director when Liverpool arrived.
His association with Evans at Anfield lasted only a few months before Houllier was appointed sole manager. Phil Thompson was his assistant and described his appointment as “one of the best moments of my life”. Having finished seventh in his first season, Houllier set about rebuilding Liverpool and steady improvement saw him finish fourth in 2000 and then third the following year, also earning the famous treble thanks to a golden goal in the thrilling 5-4 victory. about the Spanish team. Alavés in the final of the UEFA Cup.
“Absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the sad news of Gérard’s passing,” Thompson wrote on Twitter. “My partner, my colleague, my boss. One of the best moments of my life was when we met in 1998. Just being in his company was an absolute pleasure. So loyal, so passionate, and extremely fierce.
“So many wonderful moments, bringing the smile back to people’s faces. 2001 should never be forgotten. Since we broke up, at the end of every conversation we had, I told him that I loved him and would always be grateful for his wonderful partnership. RIP Boss “.
A statement from Villa added: “Everyone at Aston Villa is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gérard Houllier, our coach during the 2010/11 season. Our thoughts are with Gérard’s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. “
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