Thierry Henry appointed as France U21 manager with Arsenal legend set to coach in shock tournament
THIERRY HENRY has been appointed the new manager of France under-21s.
The first challenge facing the Arsenal legend will see him coach his side at next summer’s Olympics.
AFPThierry Henry is the new manager of France under-21s[/caption]
Henry has replaced former manager Sylvain Ripoll, who was sacked following the Euros this summer.
France were eliminated from the tournament in the quarter-finals by Ukraine.
Other candidates considered for the role included ex-Cardiff boss Sabri Lamouchi, according to Le Parisien.
However, Henry emerged as the preferred candidate and has now been appointed by the French FA.
In a statement, they confirmed he has signed a two-year deal to become the new under-21 manager.
“Thierry Henry has been appointed as the new France U21 manager, up until 2025,” the French FA announced.
“The former French international will lead Les Bleuets through the upcoming qualifying campaign for the 2025 U21 Euros, as well as Olympic Games in Paris in 2024.”
He will get his first taste of competitive action on September 11 away to Slovenia in qualifying for the 2025 Euros.
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The match is France’s first in Group H, with qualifying set to run until next October.
Next summer will also see Henry lead a French under-23 side at their home Olympics in Paris.
France have already qualified for the tournament as hosts and will be looking to build on their group stage exit in Tokyo.
The role is Henry’s first as a manager since leaving Montreal Impact in 2021.
He has been out of coaching since last year’s World Cup, where he was an assistant to then Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.
