Thierry Henry has been handed the role of head coach of MLS team Montreal Impact. His contract is for 2 years with the option for an extra 12 months.
The former French international has a history in Major League Soccer after defending the colors of New York Red Bulls for four-and-a-half years, before ending his career in 2014.
“It’s an honor to coach the Montreal Impact and return to MLS. It’s a league I know well, in which I had some very nice moments.”, Henry said after signing his contract.
“To be in Quebec, in Montreal, which has an enormous multicultural heritage, it’s extraordinary. I’ve always kept an eye on the club and now I’m here.”
Thierry Henry – the right man for the job?
Although Henry has experience in the league as a player, his coaching career has been neither lengthy nor impressive so far. After retiring, Henry spent some time in Arsenal’s academy and was then an assistant to Roberto Martinez with Belgium.
His own managerial role began last year at Monaco, where he couldn’t turn the clubs fortunes and was sacked after only three months and 20 games in charge.
Nevertheless, Kevin Gilmore – president and CEO of Montreal – said:
“We are extremely happy to announce the nomination of this legend of the game.”
“Henry will bring new energy to our club. He shares our vision to elevate this club and will help us achieve our goals on and off the field.
“He is a competitor and a leader who has proven himself at the highest level throughout his career. He now brings these qualities with him to Montreal, a place he wants to be.”
Montreal finished 9th in the Eastern Conference, 4 points below the play-off zone. Henry will have plenty of time before the beginning of the next season in MLS, in January to figure out his team and challenge for a higher position in the league.
