Has Wenger made the right decision on Henry?
Yesterday the news broke that Gunners legend and all time leading goalscorer Theirry Henry would be leaving the club’s youth set-up, after he rejected the opportunity to become the new Arsenal under 18’s coach.
Arsene Wenger reportedly offered Henry the position of Under 18’s coach on a full time permanent basis, with Henry having worked with the youth set up at the club for the last few months. Henry is currently undergoing his coaching badges and Arsenal were helping him obtain them by giving him the opportunity to manage some of the club’s most promising young talents. Based on the good vibe, practical skill and footballing knowledge he has brought to these young players, Arsenal hoped Henry would continue his good work at the club on a full time basis.
Henry was given the opportunity by his old boss Arsene Wenger, but Le Prof had some conditions put in the contract which would mean Henry would have to end his time with SkySports working as a pundit. Henry previously combined the two roles, however with a full time position on the cards at Arsenal, Henry was slammed by Wenger for wanting to continue to combine both, with Wenger stating that it wouldn’t be possible. Henry therefore chose to remain with Sky on his £4million a year contract and is now reportedly looking for a new club to join.
Yesterday I couldn’t make my mind up on whether Arsenal fans should be disappointed in Wenger or Henry. I was sitting on the fence, however now I can see that as frustrating as it may be, it is Wenger who has done the right thing. Wenger was concerned that Henry would work with the club in the week, but then potentially criticise the first team at the weekend with Sky. Furthermore Henry would be likely to miss some of the Under 18 matches as coach, as he would be at Sky working on his punditry position, which just wouldn’t be acceptable as a coach of a side. To be offered a full time job when you have two part time jobs, usually means that you have to give up the other one. Sadly for Arsenal, Henry chose his punditry role, over continuing his development with Arsenal.
I just hope that Henry doesn’t go on to show Arsenal up in the future, as he follows the likes of Arteta, Bergkamp and Vieira out of the Emirates to coach teams elsewhere.
By AH