Despite having never been a professional player, this former English teacher, who was an amateur player and coach at national level, quickly became a self-made coach. After six seasons as coach in the third and second divisions, Houllier became a professional coach in Lens (Ligue 1), where he stayed for three seasons. Houllier quickly made a name for himself via his keen tactical nous and his strong belief in teamwork. He took the reins at Paris Saint-Germain and went on to lead them to their first-ever French Championship, breaking his trophy duck and sealing his reputation as a winner. In 1988, the Therouanne-born coach accepted a role at France’s National Technical Training Centre and the following year he was appointed Director for National Technical Direction. He would spend the next ten years of his career serving the needs of the national game at various levels, a major highlight of which was victory in the UEFA European U-18 Championship in 1996. But it was at Liverpool, and then later with Lyon, that he finally reaped the benefits of many years of self-development. Under his tutelage, both the Reds and Les Gônes consistently impressed with their flowing style of play, as attacking as it was efficient. Trophies fell in Houllier’s wake, among them the UEFA Cup, UEFA European Super Cup, FA Cup and two French League titles. Regarded as one of the top French coaches of his generation, he took over from Aime Jacquet as France’s Technical Director in 2007.

Playing career

None

Coaching career
1973-1976: Le Touquet Athletic Club (France)
1976-1982: US Nœux-les-Mines (France)
1982-1985: RC Lens (France)
1985-1988: Paris Saint-Germain (France)
1988-1992: France (assistant coach to Michel Platini)
1992-Nov. 1993: France (national coach)
1994-1996: France U-18
1996-1998: France U-20
1998-2004: Liverpool FC (England)
2005-2007: Lyon (France)
2007: National Technical Director