Houllier to Coach Socceroos

[Chris the Human]

Houllier 'agrees' to coach Socceroos

July 3, 2006 - 8:43AM

Gerard Houllier has agreed to become the new Socceroos coach, an English newspaper report says.

The Frenchman, currently manager of Ligue 1 champions Olympique Lyon and former boss of Liverpool, will fly to Australia after the World Cup where he has been working as a media pundit.

The report in The Mail on Sunday says Football Federation Australia officials will allow Houllier to see out the upcoming year on his Lyon contract, and then concentrate full-time on the Socceroos and qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

Houllier built his reputation overseeing the French development program that produced the golden generation that won the 1998 World Cup, 2000 European championship and now as an ageing side has qualified for the World Cup semi-finals in Germany.

He was manager of France when they failed to qualify for the

1994 World Cup after conceding a last-minute goal in their final qualifying match.

He has long been targeted by FFA chairman Frank Lowy to take over from Guus Hiddink, who is to become Russia's new coach.

Houllier won the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup treble with Liverpool in 2000 but also suffered from heart trouble and was sacked for failing to improve the club's performances in the Premier League.

FFA officials were also thought to have discussed the Socceroos job with Martin O'Neill, the former championship manager of Celtic, who resigned that job due to his wife's ill-health but had strong backing in some quarter to become the new England manager.

Socceroos assistant coach Graham Arnold is likely to take over as head coach before the new coach's arrival, having responsibility for guiding the team through Asian Cup qualifiers.

Edited July 3, 2006 by The Misanthrope

[TheArsenal]

Football Federation Australia has denied reports that Lyon manager Gerard Houllier has been appointed as coach.

The ex-Liverpool boss has been linked with the job since Australia's World Cup exit against Italy last week - when Guus Hiddink stepped down as coach.

"Contrary to media reports, the FFA has not signed an agreement with Gerard Houllier for the position of head coach," said an FFA spokesman.

"Talks are continuing with a number of candidates, including Gerard Houllier."

Houllier led Lyon to the French championship last season - his first campaign in charge of the club.

He has had a spell as a national team coach before - as French boss from 1992-93.

Australia football federation chief executive John O'Neill said last week that an appointment was unlikely to be made until after the 16 August Asian Cup qualifier with Kuwait.

Hiddink's former assistant manager Graham Arnold will act as caretaker coach until a new man is appointed.

[Chris the Human]

That makes sense. I thought it a bit odd that we made a decision so quickly when there were a number of qualified candidates around. Regardless, is Houllier a good option to follow Hiddink?

[Guest muddatrucker]

Well, I guess in this case he can't purchase a player for millions and then insist to play them to get his moneys worth, even when they turn out to be a pile of shite.

[therockbox]

He's good at bringing through youth players, players like Gerrard and Carragher really began to shine under him.

[gunnar hendershow]

That makes sense. I thought it a bit odd that we made a decision so quickly when there were a number of qualified candidates around. Regardless, is Houllier a good option to follow Hiddink?

Nobody is a good option to follow Hiddink. I expect Russia to go deep in Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup now.

[Plubby]

Hiddink I believe can come back and coach the socceroos for 2010 - I read somewhere his agreement with Russia is only for Euro 2008

[Bigal]

I'd read in one of the papers that the Aussies wanted Martin O'Neill, as well, but Houllier has done alright with Lyon, so he might well be the better option.

[Guest Ringo Hates Divers]

I'd read in one of the papers that the Aussies wanted Martin O'Neill, as well, but Houllier has done alright with Lyon, so he might well be the better option.

[fineintent]

I'd read in one of the papers that the Aussies wanted Martin O'Neill, as well, but Houllier has done alright with Lyon, so he might well be the better option.

To be fair, Houllier has kept most of the staff from the Le Guen days on and has changed absolutely nothing to the team, so it's not too hard for him to do well.

[Bigal]

Meh, Le Guen > *

Well, I'll find out on Thursday night. Linfield Vs Rangers friendly at Windsor Park

[fineintent]

Meh, Le Guen > *

Well, I'll find out on Thursday night. Linfield Vs Rangers friendly at Windsor Park

[Bigal]

LIES

The Glens had a poor season, and we won everything (except the Setanta Cup, but it doesn't count ).

[fineintent]

I have no idea what I'm talking about, I just know the teams because of my Northern Irish Glentoran-supporting mates at Uni. I'm visiting them in August, and I'm going to buy an Institute shirt, I bet its lush.

[Bigal]

I have an inexplicable love for Institute (blame FM), despite their relegation at season's end. The shirt's a light blue, and looks alright.

[Guest Ringo Hates Divers]

Le Guen is good if he's got a certain amount of money. He did good at Lyon because Santini built the team and then became national coach. If he's given money to buy his obscure youngsters, he'll be ace.

[Bigal]

Well, judging by some of the guys he's signed and given trials, he's sticking with the obscure youngster route. Bring on the SPL Title (Y)

[9 to 5]

Cliftonville owns all those teams. >_>

[Bigal]

Yeah, I guess you're right...Jesus, hell's frozen over!

[9 to 5]

Yeah, I guess you're right...Jesus, hell's frozen over!

Thank fuck, I was getting sick of this heat.