Thierry Henry has discussed his management philosophy and why he loves the approach to the game of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
The Arsenal legend has taken his first steps into management and is currently in charge of MLS side Montreal Impact, the Frenchman seeking to rebuild his coaching career after a nightmare spell in charge of Monaco that saw him sacked after just three months in charge.
Henry is currently preparing the Canadian outfit ahead of the start of the MLS season next month, and has been discussing his philosophy and style as he bids to forge a successful career in the dug-out.
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Mail, Henry said: “One of the easiest things to do is to stop when the opposition has a goal-kick, because the ball is dead. But no, they are open, exposed — the game is alive. Get the ball back, high up the pitch, catch them. If you are quick enough, you can score. Then, when you have the ball, make them run.”
Henry used Liverpool as an example of the blueprint he would like to follow, admitting he loves the ‘intensity’ shown from the current Premier League leaders in their ability to win the ball back and defend from the front.
“People get confused about entertainment — it’s not always a flick or a trick. Defending from the front, that’s entertaining,” Henry admitted.
“Look at Liverpool. They are always trying to get the ball back as quickly as possible. If you win it high, you create damage. I love their intensity. They never stop.”
When pressed, Henry admitted he would have loved the opportunity to play for Jurgen Klopp’s European champions if he were still playing, but says he now wants to focus on his success in coaching as he embarks on the next stage of his footballing career.
“Of course [I would have liked to play in the current Liverpool side], yes. But you need to stop asking me those questions, I’m not a player anymore. It doesn’t matter if I would have liked to play in that team. What I see, as a coach, it’s contagious. And that is what I am now, a coach.
“Everyone should be judged on what they are doing, not what they’ve done.”
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