Henry rejects France women's team, wants USMNT job
Thierry Henry has apparently rejected the chance to manage the France women’s national team, leaving the door open for the USMNT. Corinne Diacre was fired last week from the job after a hearing by the French Football Federation (FFF). There is just four months until the 2023 Women’s World Cup begins in Australia and New Zealand.
Henry, a legendary former France international himself, turned down the opportunity when approached by FFF committee member Jean-Michel Aulas.
“I personally asked [Henry] the question, but the response was not positive,” Aulas explained to Le Figaro.
“He was obviously very flattered that he was asked. We did it because we were told he might be interested. But it will not be Thierry Henry. I think he is moving on to other projects.”
France legend Henry supposedly wants USMNT job
Sources at ESPN are claiming that Henry is holding out for the USMNT coaching job. The permanent position is currently vacant after Gregg Berhalter’s contract with the team expired after the World Cup in Qatar. However, US Soccer has also recently stated that Berhalter is still under consideration for the role.
Henry previously proclaimed his intentions to be under consideration for the USMNT position. Speaking freely during a Champions League telecast on Paramount+, the former striker admitted he does not want to be a number two anymore.
Henry: ‘I know the [USMNT] players’
“Would I put my name in the hat? First and foremost, that’s a tricky one to talk about,” said Henry. “Roberto Martinez went to coach Portugal and I’m not going with him. Being a number two is no longer something I would like to do.”
“Do I know the [American] players? Yeah, I know the players. Do I know the league? Yeah, I know the league,” continued Henry. “It’s a different ballgame to talk about it now like that, but would I want to be a manager at any level? Yes, of course, that’s something I would want to do.”
USMNT interim head coach Anthony Hudson will continue to take the reins for the near future. He is set to manage the two Nations League fixtures later this month. Nevertheless, US Soccer must make a decision on a permanent head coach in the near future.
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