Former Liverpool manager Houllier dies at 73

PARIS -- French football coach, former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, who led the Reds to a cup treble in 2001, has died at 73 after having a heart operation in Paris, the club confirmed on Monday.

"We are mourning the passing of our treble-winning manager, Gerard Houllier," Liverpool said on Twitter.

"The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Gerard's family and many friends. Rest in peace, Gerard Houllier 1947-2020."

Houllier was in charge at Anfield from 1998-2004 and the most glorious season was in 2000-2001 when he brought five major trophies to the Premier club, including the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup.

Before coming to Liverpool, Houllier had taken the reins of several French clubs including Lens and Paris Saint-Germain, where he led the capital-based club to its first title in the top flight. He also coached Lyon after a six-year spell at Liverpool and won two Ligue 1 titles with the French club.

"It is with deep sadness that Paris Saint-Germain has learned of the death of their former coach Gerard Houllier. To his family and loved ones, Paris Saint-Germain offers its most sincere condolences, " PSG said on Twitter.

Houllier had been plagued by heart problems for a long time, dating back to October 2001, he was rushed to hospital at halftime of Liverpool's home league match against Leeds.

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen, who was the leading attacker of the Reds side in 2001-2002 also paid tribute to his former coach.

"Absolutely heartbroken to hear that my old boss, Gerard Houllier, has sadly passed away. A great manager and a genuinely caring man. #RIPBoss," Owen wrote on Twitter.

Houllier was also appointed as the manager of French national team in 1992 but resigned only one year later after failing to take the team to the 1994 World Cup in the United States following shock home defeats by Israel and Bulgaria.