French icon Henry plots his country’s downfall
ST PETERSBURG, July 9
The irony of Thierry Henry, one of France’s all-time soccer greats, plotting his own country’s downfall at the World Cup has not been lost on his former teammate Didier Deschamps, who calls it a bizarre situation. When France go up against Belgium in the semifinal, the 40-year-old Henry will be on the opposing bench, looking to stop his country from advancing to Sunday’s final.
Up against him is Deschamps, whom he played alongside in France’s 1998 World Cup-winning squad and who has been Les Bleus’ coach for the last six years. “It’s bizarre because he’s French and will be on the opponent’s bench,” Deschamps said.
Henry, who scored 51 goals in 123 international appearances, played for France at four World Cups in all. He was a runner-up in 2006 and also competed in 2002 and 2010. But for the last two years he has been serving as one of Belgium coach Roberto Martinez’s assistants, his first foray into coaching and seemingly an inspired choice if the rare reviews from the Belgian players are anything to go by. “Henry is really important for us. He tells us stories from his playing days and they inspire us. If he says something, it always turns out to be helpful. His presence, his World Cup experience, it is all a very positive influence,” said defender Toby Alderweireld.
Kevin De Bruyne said: “He will want us to come out on top. He always tries to help us win games.”
Martinez had predicted last year, after Belgium became the first team to qualify from the European preliminaries, that Henry would have a positive impact on the Belgian players at the tournament.
“He has brought us that important element of experience,” the coach said.
But France feel Henry will be happy with any outcome on Tuesday. “If we win, he will also be happy because ultimately he is a Frenchman,” said France defender Lucas Hernandez. — Reuters
A familiar foe
I was lucky to play with (Henry) for two seasons in the French team. He is a huge player and a great gentleman of French football. It is a bit peculiar to see him with the Belgium team but that is his career and that is how he is learning his future career. I think his heart will be split tomorrow because before anything he remains French. — Hugo Lloris
I’m pleased for him, he’s someone I really appreciate. We played together as teammates and he was much younger and I was at the end of my career. It’s a difficult situation and it does happen sometimes. This time he is going to be on the bench against his home nation but he did know that from the time he was joining the management team and becoming assistant to Martinez that that could happen. But on the personal front it is with great pleasure that I’m going to see him tomorrow. — Didier Deschamps
