'Devastated': Football rocked by death of former Liverpool manager

The football world is lining up to pay its respects to Gerrard Houllier, the “revolutionary” former Liverpool manager whose death has rocked the football world.

Houllier, the English teacher turned football manager who helped to rebuild Liverpool as a force in European football, died at the age of 73 after recent heart complications.

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The former France coach and technical director also enjoyed spells at Lens, Paris St Germain, Lyon and Aston Villa.

French sports paper L'Equipe said Houllier died just a few days after undergoing another heart operation.

In his early 20s, Houllier spent a year as a teacher in Liverpool and stood on the famous Kop as a fan.

The connection remained throughout his career and when he returned in 1998 as manager, he was an instant hero.

Houllier spent six years in charge at Liverpool between 1998 and 2004, leading them to the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup treble in 2001.

"Liverpool FC is mourning the passing of former manager Gerard Houllier, aged 73," the English champions said in a statement on their website.

Liverpool said they were deeply saddened by the news and praised Houllier, saying he "successfully re-established the club as a modern force".

Houllier left Liverpool in 2004 but on Monday the club said he did so with "his legacy as a revolutionary and vital figure in Liverpool's modern history enshrined and cherished".

He famously handed Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard his debut, before appointing him as the team's captain in 2003 at the tender age of 23.

Gerrard said he was "devastated" to learn of his former manager's death and says he will never forget the impact he had on his career.

"Devastated to hear the news my former manager Gerard Houllier has passed away," Gerrard wrote on Instagram.

"I will never forget what this man did for me and my career. Rest in peace Boss. YNWA x".

Liverpool legends praise former manager

Gerrard's sentiments were echoed by other Liverpool legends, including Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher.

"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," defender Carragher wrote on Twitter.

Owen said: "Absolutely heartbroken to hear that my old boss, Gerard Houllier, has sadly passed away. A great manager and a genuinely caring man."

Former Liverpool manager Roy Evans, who shared the job with Houllier when the Frenchman first arrived at Anfield, joined those offering their tributes.

"Incredibly sad news hearing of the passing of Gerrard Houllier," he said on Twitter.

"A gentleman I have the greatest respect for and what he achieved at Liverpool football club. Condolences to his family. RIP".

After falling ill during the 2001-02 season, he recovered from life-saving heart surgery to lead the team until 2004.

Former clubs pay their respects to Houllier

He went on to manage Lyon and Aston Villa, resigning after suffering from an illness.

PSG and Aston Villa were also quick to respond to the news.

"The whole of the Paris Saint-Germain family would like to present its condolences to his family and loved ones," PSG said.

"All at Aston Villa are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gerard Houllier, our manager during the 2010/11 season," Villa said on Twitter.

"Our thoughts are with Gerard's loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

Houllier was an English teacher before starting his coaching career, managing Le Touquet, Noeux-les-Mines, Lens and Paris St Germain before stepping up to the national team as an assistant to Michel Platini.

After becoming manager in 1992, when France failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup, he stepped down but remained as technical director and was widely praised for his role when the country won the World Cup on home soil in 1998.

Houllier remained popular with all his former clubs but it was at Liverpool where he was particularly loved, his connection dating back to when he first visited and stood with the fans in the stands.

And as Liverpool recalled on Monday, Houllier never forgot the bond.

"They are really special. I was one of theirs, don't forget that," Houllier said earlier this year.

with AAP

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