Following heart surgery and a subsequent five-month convalescence, Houllier unexpectedly took his place in the dugout ahead of Liverpool’s crucial Champions League tie with AS Roma on March 19, 2002.
The Reds needed to win 2-0 in order to qualify for the quarter-finals and, amid a raucous atmosphere, did just that thanks to Jari Litmanen’s early penalty and a towering header by Emile Heskey.
“It was a great night, one of the greatest nights in the club’s history,” said assistant manager Phil Thompson post-match.
“It was also an emotional night for Gerard.