Thierry Henry is not the first footballer to struggle to find his feet on the managerial merry-go-round following a top-notch playing career. He also won’t be the last. However, after below-par performances in the Monaco and Montreal hot seats, Thierry’s time to blossom as le boss could occur on his beloved French soil this week.
Under Henry’s guidance, the young Les Bleus (plus the three ‘oldies’ of Lacazette, Bade and Mateta) have reached the Olympic Football Final. Can the former Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona, New York Red Bulls and French legend mastermind a win over Spain in Friday’s gold medal clash at the Parc des Princes in Paris?
Embed from Getty ImagesThierry Henry Aims Of Bossing It As Manager
Thierry Henry had a glittering playing career, scoring 290 club and 54 international goals. Many were hopeful (including himself) that it would be a smooth and successful transition to the managerial world. Following a coaching spell with Arsenal Under-19s and an assistant managerial role with Belgium, he went solo for the first time as boss at one of his former stamping grounds, Monaco, in October 2018.
Henry was given a hero’s welcome, but the smiles soon turned to frowns as his return to the Stade Louis II turned sour. He failed to secure a victory during his first month in charge and Les Rouge et Blanc finished 2018 in the relegation zone. Despite dabbling during the winter transfer window, the new recruits couldn’t stop the rot and Henry was dismissed on January 24th 2019. Monaco only won 4 times during his 20-game reign.
Henry Heads Across The Atlantic
To get over his short and troublesome stint at the Monaco helm, Thierry Henry took some time away from the game. He didn’t appear on the managerial scene again until later in 2019 when he took over the reins at MLS club, Montreal Impact. It would prove to be another short tenure, with Montreal only playing 29 games under Henry’s guidance.
However, there were signs of steady improvement in his managerial skillset. Henry’s win percentage rose from 20% while in charge at Monaco to 31% during his time in the MLS. He helped guide Montreal to the MLS Playoffs for the first time in four seasons and only left the post on February 25th 2021 on his own volition, as he wanted to return to European soil to be near his children, who he hadn’t seen during the COVID pandemic.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe International Scene Attracts Henry’s Wandering Eye
Following another spell as part of Belgium’s coaching staff, there were rumours during 2023 that Thierry Henry was being lined up as the next possible United States manager. The French legend was now focused on the international scene, but his gaze was fixed closer to home and when the French Football Federation came knocking, he couldn’t say ‘Non’.
On August 21st last year, Henry was named the new French Under-21 boss. An added bonus in taking the job, was that it meant he’d also be taking charge of the French Olympic side for the Paris 2024 Games. What a honour, what a privilege, what pressure !! Henry made a pleasing start in the role, with his Under-21 side winning 4 of their opening 6 games under his tutelage, scoring 19 goals during those encounters. That success also rubbed off on his French Olympic outfit, as they went unbeaten in five friendly clashes prior to the start of the Paris Olympics.
France’s Run To The Olympic Football Final
There were a few nervous faces in the 48,000 crowd as France kicked off their Olympic group campaign in Marseille on July 24th against a tough United States outfit. Those nerves spread as the sides went in goalless at the break. It took one of the ‘overage’ stars in the shape of another former Arsenal star, Alexandre Lacazette, to ease the tension, as he rifled home a low drive from outside the area. Olise and Bade also netted in the second half to give Thierry Henry’s French boys the perfect start.
It also took plenty of time for Les Bleus to warm to the task, during their second group encounter against Guinea. The fervent French fans in Nice had to wait until the 76th minute before defender Kiliann Sildillia rose to head home, which proved to be the only goal of the games. 2 wins from 2 starts for Thierry Henry’s gold-chasing gang.
Embed from Getty ImagesHenry’s French Fancies Maintain Their 100% Record
The French fans didn’t have their hearts in their mouths for too long in Marseille during their side’s third and final group encounter against New Zealand. Jean-Philippe Mateta who had a storming season for Crystal Palace broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. Second-half strikes from Desire Doue and Arnaud Kalimuendo were the icing on the cake, as France ran out cosy 3-0 winners. It meant that Thierry’s terriers had progressed to the knockouts without conceding a single goal, the only side to do so.
The French knew they couldn’t rest on their laurels though, not with Argentina waiting in the quarter-finals. An Argentinian side that included the likes of Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Otamendi. Once again it was Jean-Philippe Mateta who helped ease the nerves, as he headed home after just 5 minutes at the Stade de Bordeaux. Despite coming under some severe South American pressure, Thierry Henry’s hoard stood firm to keep their defensive record intact and to book their place in the semis.
Les Bleus Pass Their Severe Semi-Final Test
Egypt stood between France and a place in the Olympic Final. The Pharoahs had made a slow start to their Olympic campaign, but a win against Spain in their final group encounter meant they topped their table. They also showed nerves of steel when knocking out Paraguay on penalties in the last-8 stage.
Egypt made a determined start in the semi-final in Lyon, keeping France at bay and the game remained goalless until the 62 minute. The goal didn’t come at the end that was expected though. Mahmoud Saber silenced the crowd, becoming the first player to score against France in the Olympics. Thierry Henry’s French fledglings flooded forward in search of the equaliser.
That man, Mateta, came to the rescue once again, grabbing a leveller in the 83rd minute to take the game into extra-time. Egypt had missed their chance and with Omar Fayed being sent off during the first half of ET, the balance of power fully swung in France’s favour. Mateta added a second in the 99th minute and former Palace teammate Olise sealed the deal. A 3-1 victory for the French and a place in Friday’s Olympic Final.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Final Frontier For Thierry Henry’s French Boys
Spain await Les Bleus at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Friday. The Spanish are looking to maintain their recent rich vein of form in international tournaments, having won both Euro 2024 and the 2024 Under-19 Euros last month. They beat France in the semis of one and the final of the other, so revenge will be oh so sweet if Thierry Henry’s young French side can come out on top and grab gold on home turf. Spain have conceded in all bar one of their Olympic games so far, so Les Bleus will be confident of finding a route to goal at least.
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