Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has died at the age of 73.
The Frenchman, who won six major honours at Anfield between 1998 and 2004, passed away overnight following heart surgery in Paris.
Houllier joined the Reds in 1998 on the back of serving as a technical director for his country which helped them win that summer’s World Cup.
However his association with the club stretched back even further after attending games at Anfield while a teacher at Alsop School in the late 1960s.
He initially served in a joint-manager position alongside Roy Evans but the partnership lasted little over four months before he was handed total control.
In his second full season of 2000/01, Houllier delivered an historic cup treble which comprised of Liverpool winning the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup.
But in October of that year he was forced to undergo a life-saving heart bypass after falling ill during his side’s 1-1 home draw with Leeds United.
Houllier’s nurturing of Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard led to the pair becoming cornerstones of Liverpool’s first-team for the next decade.
He bowed out in May 2004, having secured Champions League qualification and successfully modernised Liverpool’s former Melwood training complex.
Most of the players that Rafael Benitez inherited from Houllier memorably were crowned European champions against AC Milan just 12 months later.
After leaving Merseyside, Houllier enjoyed spells in charge of Lyon and Aston Villa before heading up Red Bull’s footballing operation in the last five years.
News of his passing on Monday were greeted with sadness and warm tributes from across the footballing world including many of his former colleagues.
Houllier’s ex-assistant and Liverpool legend Phil Thompson said: “Absolutely devastated and heartbroken at the sad news of the passing of Gerard.
“My mate, my colleague, my boss. One of the greatest moments of my life was when we come together in 1998.
“Just to be in his company was an absolute treat. So loyal, so passionate and extremely fierce.
“So many wonderful times, bringing smiles back to peoples faces. 2001 should never be forgotten.
“Since we finished, at the end of every conversation we had, I told him I loved him and would always be grateful for him giving a wonderful partnership.”
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
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
Incredibly sad news hearing of the passing of Gerrard Houllier. A gentleman I have the greatest respect for and what he achieved at Liverpool football club. Condolences to his family. RIP
— ROY EVANS (@Roy_Evo) December 14, 2020
View this post on Instagram
Goodnight Boss… Gave us dreams and songs to sing 😢#YNWA pic.twitter.com/qNG7GcpUdZ
— Robbie Fowler (@Robbie9Fowler) December 14, 2020
Appreciation also came from those who encountered Houllier as an opponent with Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson chief among them.
“Gerard became a really good friend during his time at Liverpool,” said Ferguson.
“We remained great friends after he left and he was always a great ally to have.
“He had fantastic football knowledge which he gained during his extensive and varied career.
“When we saw each other at UEFA meetings or other events, we would often enjoy a chat, he was always great company and I will miss him dearly.
“He was a true gentleman. Sad day.”