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Former France and Liverpool coach Gerard Houllier has died at 73 after a long history of medical problems, nearly 10 years after he left Aston Villa due to poor health.
Former Liverpool and Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has died at the age of 73.
The Frenchman, who also managed Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon, had a long history of medical problems, most notably a heart problem, but the cause of his death is unknown.
French radio station RMC sport and sports newspaper L’Equipe reported that Houllier died after a heart operation in Paris.
Former Liverpool and Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier sadly passed away at the age of 73
Houllier, photographed with his wife Isabelle in 2016, had a long history of medical problems.
A fan favorite at Anfield, Houllier suffered a life-threatening vascular problem during a Premier League match against Leeds in 2001.
He was rushed to the hospital and then required 11 hours of open heart surgery after suffering a heart condition known as “aortic dissection.”
Houllier came to Liverpool in the summer of 1998, initially as a joint manager with Roy Evans before assuming the solo role four months later.
He oversaw a major rebuilding of the first team squad, recruiting such players as Sami Hyypia, Dietmar Hamann and Vladimir Spicer, and changed the tactical philosophy to make them a force once again.
Houllier’s methods quickly brought rewards, as the Reds won a unique treble in 2000-01, as well as a third-place finish in the Champions League.
In 2002, Houllier received the Legion of Honor, one of the most important civil awards in France.
He led Liverpool to a unique treble in 2000-01, winning the FA Cup, the League Cup and the UEFA Cup.
He was largely credited with laying the foundation for the dominance of world football by the national team after the establishment of the French academy system.
Players who went through the system helped France win the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000.
And Houllier, a former English teacher, was also seconds away from leading France to the 1994 World Cup before losing to Bulgaria at the Parc des Princes.
He returned to English football to coach Aston Villa in 2010
Gary Lineker was one of the first to tweet his condolences, posting: ‘Oh no! Gerard Houllier has passed away. One of the smartest, warmest and most charming people in football. #RIPGerard ‘.
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen tweeted: ‘Absolutely heartbroken to hear that my former boss Gerard Houllier has sadly passed away. A great manager and a genuinely caring man. #RIPBoss’.
More to follow.
