Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta has urged Arsenal to appoint Thierry Henry as Arsene Wenger’s successor this summer, should the experienced Frenchman be relieved of his duties at the Emirates Stadium.
Pressure upon Wenger has increased significantly in the wake of Sunday’s 3-0 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, with the Gunners now having lost three of their last four games across all competitions- including a shock Europa League defeat to Swedish minnows Ostersunds.
Amongst the favourites to succeed Wenger as Arsenal boss is Gunners legend Thierry Henry, despite his lack of managerial experience, and the club’s all-time leading scorer has been backed for the role by Barcelona’s former president.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Laporte compared Arsenal’s situation and Henry to Pep Guardiola- who earned the chance to impress with Barcelona in management and launched a successful managerial career.
“The same requirements we were appreciating in Pep Guardiola when we decided to put him as a coach of the first team, Thierry has many of them.”
“If he wants to become a coach and more specifically wants to coach Arsenal, then it is because he is convinced he will do it very well because he is looking for excellence all the time – just as when he was a player.”
“He knows football, as one of the best players in the world. These kinds of people, like Pep Guardiola and Johan Cruyff, they know football very well. They don’t need the extended period maybe that other coaches need to be a great coach.”
“He knows Arsenal, the supporters, the club and he’s a guy that deserves everything he would like to achieve. I believe he could be a very good coach. For him, with his reputation, it’s not acceptable to fail.”
