‘Devastated’ Jamie Carragher leads tributes to former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier after his death at the age of 73, while ‘heartbroken’ Michael Owen speaks of ‘a great manager and a genuinely caring man’
Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen led the tributes for French football manager Gerard Houllier, who has tragically passed away at the age of 73.
The former Liverpool boss, who guided the Reds to the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup treble in 2001, had a long history of medical problems.
Former Reds centre back Carragher, who played under Houllier for six years, said: ‘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 back winning trophies. RIP Boss.’
Former Liverpool and Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has sadly died at the age of 73
He led Liverpool to a unique treble in 2000-01, winning the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup
Ex-Liverpool centre back Jamie Carragher was ‘devastated’ by the news of Houllier’s death
Owen, who had the best years of his career under the Frenchman, said: ‘Absolutely heartbroken to hear that my old boss, Gérard Houllier, has sadly passed away. A great manager and a genuinely caring man. #RIPBoss’
Liverpool FC tweeted from their account: ‘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.’
Michael Owen was ‘heartbroken’ to learn of his former boss at Liverpool Houllier’s death
Houllier arrived at Liverpool in the summer of 1998, initially as joint-manager with Roy Evans before taking sole charge just four months later.
He oversaw a major rebuilding of the squad, signing the likes of Sami Hyypia, Dietmar Hamann and Vladimir Spicer, and bringing through Owen, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher from the youth-system into the first-team.
Aston Villa, whom Houllier managed from September 2010 to June 2011, said: ‘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.’
Gary Lineker was among the first people to speak of their sadness at Houllier’s passing
Darren Bent, who played under Houllier at Aston Villa, also paid his respects on social media
Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker was also among the first to tweet his sympathies, posting: ‘Oh no! Gerard Houllier has passed away. One of football’s smartest, warmest and loveliest people. #RIPGerard’.
Ex-England striker Darren Bent, who played under Houllier at Aston Villa from 2010-11, also paid his respects: ‘R.I.P Boss , You will be missed.
‘Could not speak highly enough of you, not just as a manager but as a person as well. Taught me to see things differently. Condolences to the Houllier family.’