Thierry Henry details difference between Guardiola and Wenger

Henry notes the difference between Guardiola and Wenger | Imago

Thierry Henry details difference between Guardiola and Wenger

Ayoola Kelechi 23:45 - 10.09.2023

Arsenal's French icon Thierry Henry has explained the difference between legendary managers Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola

Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry has revealed the difference between the two greatest managerial influences in his professional career, Arsene Wenger and Josep Guardiola. 

Henry enjoyed two of football’s best coaches

Wenger was instrumental in giving Henry a career after giving him his Monaco debut and then making him the centrepiece of a great Arsenal side that won the Premier League twice. 

However, the crowning achievement of Henry’s club career came under Guardiola when he won the UEFA Champions League, LaLiga and Copa del Rey treble with Barcelona in 2009. 

Thierry Henry for Arsenal | Imago
Thierry Henry for Arsenal | Imago Thierry Henry for Arsenal | Imago

The former France international striker spoke about the difference between the two important managers when he was interviewed by a former teammate Bixente Lizarazu on Telefoot, explaining how both managers influenced his career. 

Henry differentiates between Guardiola and Wenger influences

Lizarazu had asked Henry what managers had influenced his playing and coaching careers, and Henry replied, “Being a manager is about asking the question: Can you make your players more intelligent, and understand football a bit better? 

“Let’s use Guardiola as an example: I thought I was good at football, but when I arrived at Barcelona, I just thought, wow! What is he talking about?”

Henry then made a comparison of Guardiola to Wenger, saying, “Arsene Wenger when I arrived at Arsenal, opened up my mind in continuity with what I knew from Clairefontaine; Pep Guardiola opened my eyes. 

Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi with the 2008/09 LaLiga title won under Pep Guardiola
Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi with the 2008/09 LaLiga title won under Pep Guardiola

“He made me understand that pressing was good. Generally speaking, as an attacker, you don’t normally want to do these things. But then I developed a desire for pressing high and appreciating another aspect of the game.”

Henry himself is now back in management after accepting a role as coach of France’s U21 team and winning his first match in charge after defeating Denmark U21 4-1. 

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