Treble-winning Liverpool Coach 2000/01 Gerard Houllier Dies At 73
JAKARTA - Former Liverpool manager, Gérard Houllier, has died at the age of 73. Sports daily L'Equipe and RMC Sport confirmed that Houllier died after undergoing heart surgery in Paris.
On this sad news, Liverpool paid tribute to the manager who led them to the treble; The FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Champions League on that 2000/01.
"We mourn the passing of our treble winning manager, Gerard Houllier," read a statement on Twitter.
"Everyone at Liverpool Football Club is devoted to Gerard's family and friends. Rest in peace, Gerard Houllier 1947-2020."
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
Houllier has a long history of medical problems and underwent heart surgery in 2001 after falling ill while dealing with Liverpool against Leeds United.
After returning to his homeland with Lyon, Houllier continued his career coaching Aston Villa for a season before working as a consultant for the Red Bull football network.
Former Liverpool striker and top scorer Ian Rush was among the first to pay the tribute. "Devastated by the passing of Gérard Houllier," he wrote on Twitter. "A real man in this (soccer) game, always puts others first @LFC #RIP."
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
Michael Owen, who was part of the Liverpool team that won the treble in 2001 added: “It is very sad to hear that my old boss, Gérard Houllier, has died. Great manager and really caring guy. "
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