Manu Koné, Maghnes Akliouche, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, Désiré Doué and even Jean-Philippe Mateta. Thierry Henry certainly follows with passion the success in the French team of some of his Blues for the 2024 Olympic Games (for a silver medal in the bargain). The former coach of the Espoirs tricolores, who resumed his role as TV consultant in England for 15 months, is also very happy with the success of Jérémy Doku with Manchester City this season.
The Arsenal legend was Roberto Martinez’s assistant in the Belgium team during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, during Euro 2020 and then at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Henry saw the arrival of Doku at the Red Devils in 2021, when the dribbler who played at Stade Rennais was only 19 years old.
Thierry Henry, who left his post across Quiévrain in the wake of the 2022 World Cup, has established strong relationships with some of his Belgian players. And more precisely with Jérémy Doku, who took off at Manchester City for his third season under the orders of Pep Guardiola.
Generous Thierry Henry
“Like everyone, he needs guidance. He has to figure out how to progress and Jeremy has done that. Now he just has to do it more often. He is full of life and that’s what we want to see in football: players who take initiatives. Yes, there are failures, but the reward is in the risk. I remember his explosion during Euro 2020 against Italy, where he was unstoppable. He almost scored a goal like the one against Liverpool, but the ball went wide. Its potential is unlimited. It’s up to him to achieve it. The difference between the player I saw with the Belgium team and the one he is today is impressive. His method will remain between him and me. I am in contact with him. Every player I have coached has my number and knows that if they need help they can contact me. It’s this relationship with them that I appreciate the most”says Thierry Henry, always ready to advise his former foals.
Jérémy Doku has just returned from selection after a superb double scored against Liechtenstein (7-0), for the qualification for the 2026 World Cup of the squad led by Rudi Garcia. Well installed on the left wing of the Cityzens, with obviously Erling Haaland at the forefront, he has, personally, 5 goals and 4 assists in 19 matches. The player trained at Anderlecht will try to make a difference with the ball against Newcastle, Saturday (6:30 p.m.), then against Leverkusen in the Champions League, next Tuesday (9 p.m.).
