Thierry Henry offered return to management with shock job

Robin Bairner

• 16 Mar 2023 13:22 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was offered the opportunity to get back into management but turned down the opportunity.

Presently working as a TV pundit, the France legend has had spells in charge of Monaco and the Montreal Impact, but is perhaps best known for his work beside Roberto Martinez for Belgium – a role he took up in two different spells.

When Martinez left the Belgium post after the 2022 World Cup, Henry also stepped down from his role as assistant, leaving him without a coaching role.

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Three months away from the game, Henry was offered the opportunity to take charge of the French Women’s national side, according to a report from L’Equipe.

This was quickly followed up by Le Figaro, which quoted Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, who had suggested the position to him.

“The response was not positive. He was obviously very flattered to be consulted. We did it because we were told he might be interested. The new France head coach will not be Thierry Henry. I believe that he is gearing up for other projects,” Aulas explained.

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France's coach hunt continues

France are looking for a new head coach following the dismissal of Corinne Diacre, who was forced out of the role after falling out with key players.

Her position in the job had been in dispute for months following the decision of now-former French FA president Noel Le Graet to extend her €400,000-per-annum contract until 2024 without consulting other key figures.

With Henry out of the running, Jocelyn Gourvennec, formerly coach of Lille’s men, and Gerard Precheur, PSG Feminine boss, are thought to be the leading candidates to take the post.

Henry, meanwhile, appears to have his sights set on a return to the men’s game after rejecting this high-profile post.