Thierry Henry details difference between Guardiola and Wenger

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

“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.