Profiles in potential: Gérard Houllier

Recently, I listed eight potential coaches for the U.S. Men’s National Team (as determined by Grant Wahl). The following is the second post in a series of biographical sketches—cleverly entitled, “Profiles in potential“—focusing on each of these prospective managers.

The second candidate is Gérard Houllier.

Age: 59

Where he’s from: France

What he does now: Manages Lyon

What he did then: Houllier coached Lens (France) and Paris Saint-Germain (France) in the early 80s. He took over the French National Team in 1992 after four years with the team. His role as manager was short-lived; he resigned when France did not qualify for the 1994 World Cup.

Houllier was manager of Liverpool (England) from 1998 to 2004. Liverpool won the Worthington Cup, the FA Cup and the UEFA Cup in 2001.

Throughout his career, Houllier has been praised for his ability to scout and develop youth players.

Absurdly unofficial odds that he will get the job: 1,327 to 1