Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa hurt by death of former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier

LEEDS United head coach Marcelo Bielsa says he is hurt by the death of former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier as a man who "left his mark on football."

Houllier, who guided Liverpool to an FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup treble in 2001, has died at the age of 73.

The Frenchman also managed the France national side as well as Lens, Paris Saint-Germain, Lyon and Aston Villa.

Despite his own impressive and wide ranging career, Bielsa and Houllier never met but United's head coach paid a glowing tribute to Houllier when speaking at Monday's press conference ahead of Wednesday's hosting of Newcastle United.

TRIBUTE: To Gerard Houllier, above, from Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa. Picture by David Davies/PA Wire.placeholder image
TRIBUTE: To Gerard Houllier, above, from Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa. Picture by David Davies/PA Wire.

"It's some very hurtful news," said Bielsa.

"He is a man who left his mark on football and every time that someone who has contributed so much to football leaves us it is always a feeling of sadness.

"I never met him and we never faced each other as managers."

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Thank you Laura Collins

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