SOCCER
Could ex-Barcelona star Thierry Henry be the next USMNT head coach?
Former Arsenal and France striker Henry played for the New York Red Bulls and then coached CF Montreal in MLS.
With nothing seemingly imminent when it comes to appointing a new head coach of the United States Men’s National Team, Anthony Hudson continues to act as interim boss as speculation mounts over who will fill the position. And now a new name has thrown his hat into the ring: Thierry Henry.
Whether or not the legendary former Arsenal and France striker had been on the radar of US Soccer is unknown but perhaps he will be now after his comments to CBS/Paramount+. Henry works as an analyst for the broadcaster and during their Champions League coverage on Wednesday talked up his knowledge of MLS and American players in general, suggesting that he would be interested in taking the USMNT job.
What did Thierry Henry say about the USMNT job?
“Do I know the players (from the United States)? Yes, I know the players. Do I know the league? Yes, I know the league. Would I want to be a manager at any level? Yes, of course, that’s one of the things that I’d like to do. But to go back to how the situation is with the US national team and the US in general, what is the plan? What is the philosophy? What do you want to be?”, he said.
Henry could have the right credentials to take over a position that until a few weeks ago was held by Gregg Berhalter. The former Barcelona attacker and World Cup winner with France ended his career in MLS with the New York Red Bulls and then went on to coach CF Montreal, which means he has plenty of experience of American soccer.
Henry looking for a head coach position
After his spell as an assistant to Roberto Martínez with the Belgium national team, Henry wants to be his own man again, which could lead to an opportunity with the USMNT.
“Would I put my name in the hat? It’s a tricky one to talk about here. What I can say is that Roberto Martínez went to coach Portugal and I am not going with him. Being a number two is no longer something I would like to do. Massive respect for the boss, he gave me an opportunity when no one did. But I would like to have a crack again”, he concluded.