Houllier linked with vacant France post

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Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has been linked with the a possible return to France as manager of the national side following Roger Lemerre's sacking.

The axe fell on Lemerre because of France's failure to qualify from the group phase of the World Cup finals and reports originating from the French media this evening claim that Houllier is a target along with Fulham boss Jean Tigana.

French Football Federation president Claude Simonet confirmed the news of Lemerre's sacking.

"Roger Lemerre has been discharged of his mission as the national coach," said Simonet.

"He will continue to sit on the national coaching management body.

"To choose a successor is a heavy task. He will be selected after consultations and named at a later stage."

Former Lyon coach Jacques Santini is the favourite to succeed Lemerre and Houllier would not want to quit his post at Anfield which he loves so dearly.


* Management re-shuffle at Anfield not announced yet?