Thierry Henry set to become coach of U-21 team in France

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry might be taking a break from punditry job as he is reportedly set to be named coach of France U-21 team.

Le Parisien, a French publication reported that the legendary France forward will replace dismissed Sylvain Ripoll in the France U-21 national team dugout.

The French FA parted ways with the former Lorient head coach on the back of a disappointing loss to Ukraine in the quarter-final stage of the 2023 U21 Euros. Talks between Henry and the French FA are reportedly in the final stages with an agreement on all fronts now imminent.

Le Parisien reported that Henry told his close relatives that he will coach Les Bleuets. Julien Stéphan, Sabri Lamouchi, and Jocelyn Gourvennec were also candidates for the job.

Henry, who turned 46 yesterday, is expected to give up several of his advertising and TV contracts; he is a Ligue 1 pundit for Amazon Prime Video Sport and a CBS Sports Golazo co-host for Champions League nights.

The French FA is due to officially announce Henry as the new U-21 coach in the coming days. The 1998 World Cup winner with France will be tasked with leading Les Bleuets during the Olympic football tournament for the 2024 Paris Games.

Henry’s first game as France U-21 manager will be on September 11 when the Les Bleus face Slovenia as part of their campaign to qualify for the 2025 U21 European Championships.

Henry won the World Cup and Euros during his playing days and was also part of the squad that reached the 2006 World Cup final. They lost to Italy on penalties.

The former forward previously took over at a struggling Monaco team back in the fall of 2018. The Ligue 1 outfit sat 18th in the table at the time of Henry’s hiring. However, the club continued their dismal display under the legendary player and the team ultimately made another managerial change just three months later.