Emile Heskey Names Gerard Houllier as Best Coach He Worked Under
Emile Heskey has named Gerard Houllier as the strongest coach he worked under, highlighting the former Liverpool manager’s meticulous preparation as he supports a scheme opening coaching pathways for people from lower-income backgrounds.
The 48-year-old is at St George’s Park with the Chase football coaching programme, which offers fully funded introductory qualifications and professional bursaries across the UK. England are due back in UEFA Nations League action against world champions Spain on Saturday after their 2026 World Cup semi-final run and third-place finish.
Houllier stands out for Heskey
Heskey places Houllier alongside Martin O’Neill among the best managers of his playing career, but says the Frenchman was the outstanding figure when it came to coaching detail.
He said Houllier brought a demanding level of information and tactical understanding, describing the adjustment from a different environment as difficult at first. Once players understood the work, he felt it gave them a new perspective on the game.
O’Neill had a major impact on Heskey’s early career at Leicester City, although the former England striker believes Houllier’s hands-on coaching methods set him apart.
From Leicester trainee to England international
- Heskey came through Leicester’s academy and made his first-team debut aged 17 while still a first-year trainee.
- He became a regular during the campaign in which Leicester secured promotion back to the Premier League.
- His performances under O’Neill brought international recognition, with his first of 62 England caps arriving in 1999.
- Liverpool paid a then-record £11 million for him in 2000, a deal valued at $15 million.
- He formed effective partnerships with Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen, collecting the FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup. Five trophies arrived during Liverpool’s remarkable 2001 calendar year.
- After Liverpool, Heskey played for Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, Aston Villa, Newcastle Jets and Bolton Wanderers.
- He retired in 2016, aged 38, with 110 Premier League goals and appearances at World Cups and European Championships on his international record.
Coaching access is the focus
Heskey says the Chase initiative can give aspiring coaches a first opportunity that may otherwise be closed because of money or personal circumstances. Participants can use the route to progress towards a B licence or remain involved at grassroots level.
He believes local coaches leave a lasting impression on young players and says greater access to qualifications could help more coaches rise through the game, potentially as far as the Premier League.
Heskey’s own spell in management was brief. He took interim charge of Leicester City Women in November 2021 for one match, and has since worked with the Football Association and Professional Footballers’ Association through the England Elite Coach Programme.
He also continues to follow player development closely, with his sons Jaden and Reigan both using Manchester City’s academy facilities and coaching setup.
What happens next
England face Spain in the Nations League on Saturday, while the Chase programme continues to provide funded coaching courses and bursary support for eligible applicants throughout the UK.
