Henry lays into France U-21s as he admits his players were "taught a lesson"'
Thierry Henry has failed to reproduce the kind of magic he was capable of so often as a player since becoming a manager.
The Arsenal icon is now at the helm of France Under-21s and while this is undoubtedly the brightest start he's made in a managerial role, we've only had to wait six games for him to issue a public, scathing assessment of his own players. This time, it came after a 3-0 defeat by South Korea on Monday.
Four victories from his first four games in charge meant Henry got off to the dream start, but back to back losses against Austria and South Korea would appear to mean his patience is already wearing thin with sections of his squad.
"The result is horrible," Henry said. "I told the guys that we were taught a lesson in fighting spirit against Austria, and here we have received a lesson in realism. We can’t allow us to defend like that."
Henry has history when it comes to taking aim at his own squad in public. During his first ever top job at Monaco, the two-time Premier League winner made not-so-subtle jibes over a lack of desire within the group.
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"Against Dortmund (in the Champions League ), I said, even if we knew we were already eliminated, I'm really upset because you cannot lose like that. Tonight, we did exactly the same thing," Henry told France Football.
"Look at the first two goals. On the first goal, we give them the ball for free. The second goal sums up the match for me. A pass of 35 meters I think from Denayer between two players. I cannot understand how that pass happens. Then there's a guy who wants to focus, to score and one who does not want to defend.
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Thierry Henry was furious with his players after a 3-0 defeat by South Korea (Baptiste Fernandez/Icon Sport via Getty Images)"You can play four or five defenders but with a lack of desire, it's hard to win a football match. It was a lack of desire tonight on the goals. So, no excuses, no excuses."
Just a month prior to that, Henry had to address and empathise with growing fan discontent, while once again blasting his squad for not wanting it enough. "I understand our fans’ frustration," he conceded.
"This evening was not about tactics, it was about a lack of desire. If you don’t win any duels, then its difficult to win a football match. This is a delicate situation. When you enter the pitch and your players involuntarily refuse to play, it is difficult."
Wedged in the middle of Henry's ill-fated Monaco stint and his current gig with France U-21s was a 15-month spell in charge of MLS outfit Impact Montreal. Though the Coronavirus pandemic and his desire to be with his family was the reason behind his exit, the ex-Barcelona ace didn't exactly set the world alight in Canada either.
After one season in charge, he won just eight games, drawing two and losing 13 before calling time on his reign to spend more time with his children at a time when travel was restricted due to the Covid-related rules. His first two attempts at management have led to a more intense spotlight being shone on how Henry fares dealing with the next generation of France stars.
Another failure, littered with more public shots at his squad and underwhelming results, could spell the end of any hopes Henry may harbour when it comes to taking one of Europe - or indeed north London's biggest jobs in the future.
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