Thierry Henry Potential Candidate for Wales Manager Job

Thierry Henry, the iconic former Arsenal and France striker, is under consideration to succeed Rob Page as the manager of Wales. Henry, who has managerial experience with Monaco and Montreal Impact, currently leads France’s Under-21 side and is preparing for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris next month. At 46 years old, Henry has a connection with Wales, having pursued his coaching qualifications with the Football Association of Wales (FAW). The FAW dismissed Page last Friday after his three-and-a-half-year tenure, following Wales’ failure to qualify for Euro 2024.

The FAW intends to take its time in selecting Page’s successor, with Wales’ next fixture not scheduled until they begin their Nations League campaign against Turkey at home in September. Some within the FAW hierarchy are eager to appoint a high-profile figure, akin to their previous appointment of Ryan Giggs in 2018. Thierry Henry’s potential appointment would mark a significant move, given his stature as one of the greatest players of his generation and his current role as a prominent television pundit alongside coaching responsibilities.

Financially, while the FAW might not match the salary offers of other national associations, they believe Henry’s ability to maintain his lucrative media and sponsorship commitments alongside the managerial role could facilitate a deal. Similar considerations applied when Giggs was in charge, balancing managerial duties with personal business interests. Henry’s illustrious playing career includes multiple Premier League and La Liga titles, as well as coaching experience with Belgium and managerial stints.

Speaking on BBC Wales’ Elis James’ Feast of Football podcast, former Wales striker Robert Earnshaw commented on Henry’s coaching acumen and familiarity with Welsh football structures, noting Henry’s sharp football intellect and innovative ideas.