Thierry Henry has given his first training session as the Belgium national team’s assistant coach.
The former Gunner, who was appointed the position only days ago, trained the likes of Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and Michy Batshuayi, and Liverpool’s Christian Benteke ahead of Belgium’s matches against Spain and Cyprus.
The Frenchman’s appointment was somewhat of a surprise but coach, Roberto Martinez, seems to think very highly of him and is willing to give him a chance.
“He’s someone that has been in the situation of having to develop a mentality as a team, to chase the dream of winning something special,” the ex-Everton boss explained.
“He did that with his country back in 1996, leading up to (World Cup) 1998.
“He’s an important figure for our staff, being able to pass on his experience, and for the work we can do on an individual basis on the training pitch.”
Henry, meanwhile, has been excited to get started.
“It is an exciting challenge, but one of the things we are going to have to work on is the team’s mentality to make sure they can become a great team,” he said.
“I am the second assistant, Roberto is the main guy and I will help with the structure and help him make sure that the team goes really far.
“I think this team can make history, it is just a matter of believing in themselves.”
Henry had to leave his coaching role of the attacking u18 players at London Colney after the club reportedly asked him to choose between his Sky Sports punditry job and his place at Arsenal. The 39-year-old obviously picked being in front of the cameras, which has left a rather nasty taste in most Gooners’ mouths.
https://twitter.com/HLNinEngeland/status/770293817580879876
Origi has been training with Thierry Henry at the national team.This collaboration will bring a lot of benefit.#LFC pic.twitter.com/uRNEWRGgIx
— The Red Post (@The_Red_Post) August 30, 2016
Michy Batshuayi & Thierry Henry in Belgium training. pic.twitter.com/G7StWw45pR
— iChelseaTweets (@iChelseaTweets) August 30, 2016
https://twitter.com/therealfanatix/status/770415763676991489
It’s unknown whether the Belgium national team will ask Henry to stand down from his punditry work. It’s not all season long so it’s a bit different but it would be interesting to see which way he leans then.