Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has opened up about why Thierry Henry did not take up a coaching role with the U-18 side. In an interview with the Arsenal Magazine, Wenger explained how Henry couldn’t focus on two different jobs at the same time.
There was a lot of hue and cry when the news came to light that Wenger had refused to allow Henry to coach the junior Gunners unless he sacrificed his role as a pundit on Sky Sports. Henry had opted to continue working with Sky and eventually moved on to the Belgium national team where he is now an assistant manager.
Fans had clamoured for Wenger to sign former players who could coach the youngsters; especially one with the quality of Henry, who could have been an excellent addition to the coaching staff and a former world class player the kids could learn from.
More: Why Arsene Wenger was right to give Thierry Henry an ultimatum on Arsenal coaching role
But Wenger claimed he and Henry had agreed that it would not be the ideal professional environment for a television pundit to come back and coach the U-18s, especially when he has to talk about Arsenal every weekend. And Henry could not give up a reported £4m a year contract with Sky.
“There was a lot of debate about Thierry Henry not staying here,” Wenger explained. “I think Thierry Henry has done an exceptional job here but it is an uncomfortable position for him.”
“He agreed that it was not easy for him to deal with talking about Arsenal during the weekend and then coming in. You want him to be free from his statements and it’s always difficult for him to be really objective sometimes, and even a bit harsh, and then come in and face the players.
“It will be easier for him and I’m sure that he will come back into coaching later.”
Wenger not against former players coaching at the club
While many have criticised the French manager for not bringing back former players such as Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp to the club as coaches, Wenger revealed that it was not the case. Freddie Ljungberg, a member of Arsenal’s 2003/04 Invincibles, is currently coaching at the club.
“When you have an opportunity to give our former players a role at the club, they know Arsenal is about identity,” Wenger opined.
“Identity is about values and the players who have played at the club for a long time know the values are important, not only on the playing side but on the moral side, so they can carry through the generations. It is important for this club and the history of this club.”
