Thierry Henry joined the curse of Sky Sports pundits after being relieved from his job within three months of starting at Monaco. The curse of Sky was evident with Gary Neville, who was famously sacked from Valencia, and Craig Bellamy is now having issues in his role as a coach at Cardiff City. Henry who has won all the major trophies going as a player but was unable to replicate it as a manager. Sources report Monaco players were unhappy with the way he spoke to them and also the lack of respect he gave to opposing teams. It comes as surprising, as many people felt Henry always carried himself with respect and class when dealing with other people in the media.
Thierry Henry and the Sky Sports Pundits Curse
Lack of Experience
Henry had very limited experience with his time as Belgium assistant manager and also a brief time as Arsenal youth coach. Monaco, history wise and in regards to their reputation, are in the top four sides in the French top division and so it is a huge job in European football. Expecting him to be able to cope with that was asking a lot but it was asking even more with the club in crisis. Monaco had sold their best players year on year, so what could they expect from a man who was essentially a novice in terms of management?
Was Henry Too Good a Player?
Thierry Henry is arguably the greatest player many have seen live and of the best in the Premier League era. He might have found it difficult to give advice to limited players who were unable to do what he could do.
Gianfranco Zola had the same issue where he was famously the best player in training at West Ham. This led to players resenting him and he had to stop training with the first team as he was too good for them. Henry may have suffered the same fate as players were in awe of his ability and could not replicate their manager’s skills.
Where Now For Henry?
Henry’s next move could prove to be key as another failed spell may lead to him being written off as a manager and never to get a job again. Henry himself may be best served working with youth teams and reserve teams to build his confidence and be given time to develop in a non-pressure environment. Either way, it would be a waste of a great footballing brain if he was to never manage again.
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