Flashback to the summer of 1998 when a younger Houllier took charge, ringing the changes as he transformed Liverpool into a modernized football club. Which reminds us of the predicament that my beloved Reds are facing at present day…
Houllier was appointed joint manager alongside Evans in 1998 but the partnership only lasted a few months into the season as Evans resigned that November.
When Houllier was appointed, he had a clear plan and immediately went about breaking old, stale habits and introducing modern ideas. He also knew not only the sort talents to acquire but also the personalities he needed to take his vision forward.
Gérard preached discipline and wanted to rid the Reds of the derogatory media tag of the “Spice Boys.” The nickname was unfair as the British tabloids implied that Liverpool’s dressing room was full of nightlife loving, “party boys” who cared more about modeling assignments than working hard on the pitch. What did need to change was Evans’ relaxed style of management and outdated training methods.
Liverpool’s reputation had fallen greatly and Houllier wanted change both in terms of commitment to his brand of defensive-minded, high work-rate football and in the sort of player representing the club. He made sweeping changes by attempting to rid Liverpool of their negative image and recruited an impressive group of players in future captain Sami Hyypiä, Dietmar Hamann, Stéphane Henchoz, Vladimír Šmicer, Markus Babbel, Emile Heskey and the “ageless wonder” Gary McAllister all in a matter of two years.
Michael Owen had already become a worldwide icon with his “wonder goal” during the ’98 World Cup and was quickly recognized as the Premier League’s deadliest striker. Jamie Carragher continued his progress and became a very reliable and versatile piece in the Reds’ defence, earning many plaudits for his consistency. A young Steven Gerrard had made his way through the academy and immediately showed tremendous all-around ability and a glimpse of future superstardom.
All the pieces were in place for a “Red revival” under the Frenchman as Liverpool embarked on an unforgettable 2000-01 campaign. A thrilling 5-4 extra time victory in the UEFA Cup final over Deportivo Alavés began the flow of cups into the Anfield trophy cabinet. Gary McAllister wrote his name into Liverpool lore by being named the man of the match by converting a penalty and his deflected free kick was the winning “golden goal.”
oullier had delivered the club’s first European trophy since 1984 and just three days later, the Reds were up against Birmingham in the Worthington Cup final. Robbie Fowler’s stunning volley opened the precedings but a 90th minute penalty was awarded and Darren Purse equalized. Neither team were able to find the go-ahead goal in extra time and the match went to penalties. Carragher’s conversion put the pressure on a young Andrew Johnson and Sander Westerveld denied him earning Liverpool’s second trophy of the season.The Reds completed the treble year by mounting an incredible comeback in the FA Cup final. Arsenal had been dominant during the first 80 minutes of the match but Westerveld pulled of some tremendous saves, keeping a slim chance of Liverpool hope. Henchoz was able to get away with a number of handballs and Owen produced true magic by scoring two late goals to rip the cup out Arsenal’s hands.
The following season started off win two more trophies as the Reds defeated Manchester United in the FA Community Shield and also took home the European Super Cup over Bayern Munich. Two players who would contribute to future cup glories, keeper Jerzy Dudek and John Arne Riise joined up that summer but speculation about one of the Kop’s most beloved heroes was the biggest transfer story.
Despite the difficult end to his time as Liverpool boss, Houllier had taken the club forward and delivered the special treble year of 2001. Steven Gerrard still refers to him as a “father figure” and the Frenchman was an excellent man-manager. He made some terrific signings in the early part of his Reds’ reign and much of Rafael Benítez’s Champions League winning team was comprised of Houllier’s recruits. It will be another special occasion at Anfield on December 4th when he returns as the Kop will give Gérard a well-deserved wonderful ovation for his service to the club.
taken from http://lfcny.org/blog
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