Henry to Arsenal simply won’t work – the Gunners need experience

Thierry Henry won’t save the day at Arsenal.

Not yet, at least. It’s something every Gooner wants to see one day, but Manchester United fans want Ryan Giggs in the dugout at some point in the future. Chelsea supporters would love to see Frank Lampard in charge after Antonio Conte while the Liverpool faithful feel the same way about Steven Gerrard.

But it would probably be the worst thing for both Henry and Arsenal Football Club if he was to succeed Arsene Wenger in the summer.

Why?

Because this is a team which is a long way from challenging for silverware – and that’s something supporters are expecting.

With that in mind, Arsenal need to bring in a motivator, a strong personality, an experienced boss who’s proven time and again he can get the best out of a squad.

Jurgen Klopp would’ve been a decent fit. The same goes for Antonio Conte and (whisper it quietly) Jose Mourinho.

But just because those ships have long since sailed doesn’t mean Gunners’ chiefs should turn to the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.

There are still plenty of big names out there. Diego Simeone will be available in 12 months, Max Allegri’s name has been thrown into the mix while even Rafa Benitez would be a more suitable replacement for now.

Between them, that trio of names have won a staggering 18 major trophies. Henry’s greatest honour as a boss is yet to come.

And that’s exactly why he shouldn’t be considered for the post. Yes, he’s passionate and he knows the club inside out. But if that’s all it takes to warrant the title of manager of one of the biggest clubs in English football, then expect thousands to apply for the vacancy when Wenger eventually calls it a day.

Henry needs more time to develop as a coach

Henry’s worked with the Gunners’ youth set-up in the past, has taken his coaching badges and now sits alongside Roberto Martinez as assistant manager of the Belgium national team.

All in all, the Frenchman is going about things the right way.

But the step-up is simply too big for the 39-year-old at the moment. He’ll instead need to first prove himself capable of managing a football club, and then come back with a CV worthy of the role.

As we’ve already seen, playing under Wenger doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll succeed as a manager yourself.

Remi Garde lasted less than five months in charge of Aston Villa, recording just two league wins in that time, while Paul Merson’s spell in charge of Walsall saw them face relegation from Division One.

Patrick Vieira is working hard in MLS to prove himself, and it’s a position he’s held for well over a year after working behind the scenes at Manchester City in a training and youth development role.

Perhaps that’s a path Henry should consider next. He has experience of playing in the States, and such a move would give him a chance to prove himself at a decent level.

In the meantime, Arsenal should look at bringing a proven winner to the Emirates.

Anything else has to be considered a step backwards.

What do fans think? Would you love to see Henry in charge of Arsenal next season, or do you agree that it’s too early in his career to take up the role?

Have your say in the comments section below!

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