"It’s better if we steal other people’s ideas to improve them or if we take inspiration from their methodology and how they get their message across in training through certain exercises." Liverpool coach (1998-2004), advisor to Olympique Lyonnais, French National Technical Director (1989-1998 then 2007-2010), coach of the French team (1992-1993), Sporting Director of NY Red Bull (2012) or FIFA observer, throughout his rich career, Gérard Houiller never stopped learning about football. In an interview with France Football, shortly before his death in 2020, the former teacher returned to the importance for a coach to draw inspiration from his peers. "As Fabio Capello said, the coach is a thief. The trick is to 'make your own sauce' with your own principles to define your style and build your personality. The history of football is made of nothing else…" Drawing inspiration from others, without forgetting to inspire your players, is the perfect recipe for a coach according to Houiller: "The coach must be someone who draws inspiration and inspires others, who you want to follow and, to a certain extent, for who you play."
Brief
A mural has been erected in honour of Gérard Houiller in front of Lyon's Groupama Stadium following his death in 2020 / ©Icon Sport