The former Liverpool manager has passed away aged 73
Tributes have poured in from across the football world and beyond after the news broke that Gerard Houllier has passed away at the age of 73.
Houllier is best known in England for his six-year stint as Liverpool manager, in which he guided the club to five major trophies, including the FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup treble in 2000-01.
Before his arrival at Anfield, Houllier had taken charge of Ligue 1 sides Lens and Paris St-Germain as well as being appointed manager of the French national side.
After his stay on Merseyside, Houllier returned to France and won two league titles with Lyon. His final management job came in England, where he briefly took charge at Aston Villa for nine months, before leaving the post following heart problems.
News of his death came as a shock to many, with several notable names quick to pay their respects on social media.
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
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
Oh no! Gerard Houllier has passed away. One of football’s smartest, warmest and loveliest people. #RIPGerard
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) 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
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
Devastated at the passing of Gérard Houllier. A true gentleman of the game, always put others first @LFC #RIP
— Ian Rush MBE (@Ian_Rush9) December 14, 2020
All at Aston Villa are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gérard Houllier, our manager during the 2010/11 season.
Our thoughts are with Gérard's loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 14, 2020
La @FFF tient à adresser ses plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux proches de Gérard Houllier, ancien sélectionneur de l'Equipe de France et DTN, disparu à l’âge de 73 ans. pic.twitter.com/XsGoDdRye5
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) December 14, 2020
Oh no, more sad news. What a lovely man and top manager Gerard Houllier was – sadly he has passed away. Condolences to his family and friends, of which he had many. RIP Gerard
— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) December 14, 2020
RIP GERARD, THANK YOU FOR IMPROVING ME. CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY. GREAT MAN NOT JUST MANAGER🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/v9nFM2KE6w
— Ashley Young (@youngy18) December 14, 2020
Absolutely devastated to hear the sad news about Gerard Houllier this morning my thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends 🙏 RIP pic.twitter.com/l1gKT5kdVH
— Neil Ruddock (@RealRazor) December 14, 2020
So so sad to hear of Gerard Houllier’s passing away. As well as his footballing achievements he was a warm, generous and caring man. Privileged to have counted him as a friend, always tremendous company. My thoughts are with Isabelle and the family.
— Geoff Shreeves (@GeoffShreeves) December 14, 2020
