In an era where managerial tenures are often short-lived, the decision by Arsenal to stand by Mikel Arteta during the early challenges in his managerial career has been praised by club legend Thierry Henry.

Speaking candidly about the coaching world and his own experiences, Henry highlighted the importance of patience in building a successful team.

• Thierry Henry lauds Arsenal for their continued support of Mikel Arteta, comparing his development to other great managers.
• Henry emphasises the importance of patience and long-term planning in football management, criticising the culture of quick dismissals.
• Henry, now France Under-21s manager, calls for similar trust in his abilities, reflecting on his coaching journey so far.

In a recent conversation with former teammate David Seaman on the Seaman Says podcast, Thierry Henry shed light on the importance of patience and perseverance in football management.

The Arsenal legend lauded the club’s continued backing of Mikel Arteta, especially during the initial struggles of his managerial career.

“One of the best things we did at Arsenal was to keep Mikel. Give [managers] a three-year plan, regardless of who it is,” Henry stressed, as he delved into the challenges faced by managers in the contemporary football landscape. Highlighting the success stories of Sir Alex Ferguson and Jurgen Klopp, Henry drew parallels to Arteta’s tenure at Arsenal.

Arteta, who succeeded Unai Emery in 2019, initially led the Gunners to FA Cup glory. Despite faltering in the Premier League and failing to secure consistency, Arsenal’s management showed faith in the Spanish coach.

The subsequent season started roughly with three consecutive losses, sparking calls for Arteta’s dismissal. Yet, the club’s unwavering support resulted in a transformation of the team’s fortunes, eventually challenging for the title.

“You arrive in the team, not your team? You take them hurt. You’re trying to build something and then you get sacked after 10 games or whatever. The guys need to learn from a new coach, a new tactic, a new thing every way every three months. What are we doing?” Henry explained.

Henry’s sentiments reflect a wider issue in modern football, where patience with managers seems scarce.

He cited the early struggles of Arsene Wenger and Klopp, contrasting them with Pep Guardiola’s immediate success. “Sir Alex, we all know he was on the verge of getting the sack. Remember that goal that saved him? Arsene didn’t win right from the start,” Henry continued. “Klopp didn’t win right from the start, it took him three-and-a-half years to build a team.

“Only Pep won right from the start a treble – but he had the idea and he had a good team. I think it’s ridiculous what I see, but, look, it’s not my money.”

Now appointed as France Under-21s manager, Henry hopes for a similar level of trust in his own coaching abilities.

His previous managerial stints include Monaco and Montreal Impact, and he has also been an assistant with the Belgium national team.