After a new aortic operation three weeks ago in a Parisian hospital, Gérard Houllier was keen to get out absolutely on Sunday. To watch PSG-OL from home. “I know he was happy with this victory (for OL)”, breaths, very moved, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas. “It’s an infinite sadness. Gérard was a companion, he had become a constant friend. I have few friends that strong, ”he adds. Coach of the great OL between 2005 and 2007, double champion of France with Lyon in 2006 and 2007, Houllier, who died Monday morning, had notably led the current Lyon sports director, Juninho. “The strongest mentally strong coach I have ever had. He spoke to me a lot and helped me, ”says the Brazilian.
Houllier was always very close to Lyon. Very implicated. Returned to Jean-Michel Aulas’ adviser in 2016, he still had a great influence. “He continued to bring his immense talent to advise coaches and players, to be close to everything the club did. He gave everything for OL, ”continues JMA. He had notably pushed for the appointment of Rudi Garcia as coach in October 2019. “He has always been a support for me,” says the current Rhone coach.
“He had too many qualities to disappear so quickly”
The former coach of the Blues was simply essential between Rhône and Saône. Formations, male, female, he was involved in all issues. It’s a whole club that is in mourning. “In shock at this sad news,” Houssem Aouar tweeted. Houllier was particularly involved with the women’s team, led by the former Parisian Jean-Luc Vasseur. Here too a choice made in Houllier.
“He was the first to launch me as a professional player at PSG in 1986, the first also to launch myself into this fabulous story at women’s OL, underlines Vasseur. He was bubbly, charming, football lover and very involved in what he did with girls. He did not hesitate, until very recently, to speak in front of the group, always with the same ardor and the same passion. “It’s a great loss for us”, adds Wendie Renard “very sad”.
Former illustrious OL players pay tribute to him, like Karim Benzema “thank you for any coach” or Rémi Garde, who was in his staff in Lyon in 2005. “He made me want to ‘train’, recognizes the former Lyon technician (2011-2014).
Before the start of the session, this Monday the day after the victory (0-1) at the Parc des Princes against PSG, players, staff and managers formed a large circle and were silent, thinking very hard of the one who had always the nose somewhere in Lyon. Who knew everything. The Shadow Advisor. “He had too many qualities to disappear so quickly, we had lots of projects together for the future, for OL but also for our friendship,” concludes, very moved, Jean-Michel Aulas. The tribute should be moving this Wednesday against Brest at Groupama Stadium.
