Sir Alex joins tributes to ‘good pal’ Houllier
FORMER LIVERPOOL AND VILLA BOSS DIES AGED 73
SIR ALEX FERGUSON and Manchester United have paid a heartfelt tribute to former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, who has died at the age of 73.
The Frenchman was in charge of the Reds for six years between 1998 and 2004 and won six trophies in total, including a cup treble in 2001.
He also managed Aston Villa, Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain, Lens and the France national team during an illustrious career in the dugout.
“The news has come as a total shock this morning,” said Sir Alex. “Gerard Houllier was still a young man at the age of 73.
“Gerard became a really good friend during his time at Liverpool. 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.
“It is a sad day for the football world and my thoughts are with his family at this desperately sad time.”
United said in a statement: “Everyone at Manchester United joins the football world in expressing our sadness at the loss of Gerard Houllier and we send our condolences to his loved ones.”
Houllier had spoken of his relationship with Sir Alex after ill health forced him to retire from football in 2011.
“He came to see me at the hospital,” he said at the time. “He has got that human warmth. I had a few managers who came - Sir Alex, of course, Arsene Wenger my friend, and Sven-Goran Eriksson came as well.
“The rivalry (with Sir Alex) is something healthy for football but there is no rivalry between us two managers. There were a few opportunities where sometimes he gave me a call and some help.
“Look at his tremendous record with different teams. I think he is a genius. Getting to the top is something - staying at the top is another thing completely. I had a good record against him - that is what Sir Alex said - ‘you are more successful against Manchester United than even Bob Paisley.’
“He’s been a friend for a long time, before I came to England and even after. We met at coaches’ get- togethers organised by Andy Roxburgh at UEFA and sometimes on holiday.
“We’ve been friends and whatever happens in the game we will remain friends.”
We would often enjoy a chat, he was always great company and I will miss him dearly. Sir Alex Ferguson