Arsenal legend Thierry Henry tipped for surprise managerial role after stint with France U21s at 2024 Olympics
Former Wales striker Robert Earnshaw has tipped Arsenal icon Thierry Henry to take up the Wales managerial post after his stint with France U21s at the 2024 Olympics. The former France international is currently the manager of the national under-21 side and is set to lead them in the Paris Olympics next month.
Henry stepped into coaching in 2015, having hung up his boots in 2012 when he joined Arsenal's coaching team. He then became Roberto Martinez's assistant in the Belgium setup before taking his first full managerial job at AS Monaco.
Henry's spell with Monaco was far from an impressive one and it was followed by a stint at MLS side Montreal Impact. After another brief spell with Belgium as assistant manager, he has been the France under-21 boss since 2023.
The ex-Arsenal striker will be in the hot seat for France in the upcoming Olympic Games next month. Robert Earnshaw, who did his coaching course with Henry, has tipped the 46-year-old for the vacant Welsh hot seat. Earnshaw said, as quoted by Four Four Two:
"One name who is left field but I'd throw is Thierry Henry. It's my own personal thought. I spent some time with Thierry on the coaching course a couple of years ago because he was on the Welsh FA course. He knows (technical director) David Adams and the set-up, and he understands Welsh football. The one thing that stood out when I was sat with Thierry was his football brain is brilliant."
The former Nottingham Forest attacker, who earned 59 caps for Wales scoring 16 times, added:
"With France U21s and the Olympic team, he understands young players. He would raise the bar and the level. I don't know whether he would want it. I could see someone like Thierry doing it. His football brain is brilliant, he's so sharp, advanced and has got great ideas."
While Henry was a world-class attacker back in the day, he is yet to enjoy similar success as a manager. He won a total of 17 trophies at club level with Arsenal, Barcelona and New York Red Bulls combined. He also won one World Cup, one European Championship and one FIFA Confederations Cup with France.
Wayne Rooney fears Gareth Southgate could bench Arsenal star against Slovenia
England legend Wayne Rooney fears Arsenal star Bukayo Saka could be benched for England's upcoming Euro 2024 clash against Slovenia. Saka started both games for the Three Lions in the Euros so far and has been quite impressive.
Saka assisted Jude Bellingham for England's only goal in their 1-0 win against Serbia. Wayne Rooney, however, fears Saka could be dropped against Slovenia with Gareth Southgate moving Phil Foden to the right flank. Rooney said, as quoted by The Times:
"It wouldn't surprise me if Gareth Southgate moves Phil Foden to the right, brings in Anthony Gordon and leaves Bukayo Saka out. But I wouldn't do that because I think Saka has been really good. He has been creative and provided some good balls into the box."
Saka enjoyed the best season of his career last time out for Arsenal scoring 20 times and providing 14 assists in 47 games. Capped 35 times for England so far, the 22-year-old has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists for the Three Lions.