Theirry Henry’s decision to take on the Monaco job seemed a task too much for the managerial rookie straight from the get go. The team, though Champions League participants, was at it’s lowest both in terms of player quality and form. Factor in the numerous injuries suffered to first team players, long term injuries.
The ‘King’ was force to work with a bunch of inexperienced kids, mostly from the academy and I will tell you for free, with the level of talent and competition in the French top flight, expecting him to get any kind of result with kids is very big ask. It did not do him any favors that the best of that bunch of academy graduates were also injured shortly after promotion to the first team.
To Henry’s credit, he did not sulk or moan.He got on to work and tried(is still trying) to make the best out of a really messy situation. Dropping off the Champions League was seen as somewhat positive because bigger issues need to be looked at first, avoiding relegation topping the list.
The arrivals of Brazillian center back Naldo from German giants Schalke 04 and World Cup winner Cesc Fabregas from English side Chelsea has added the right mix of quality and experience to a Monaco that desperately need such injections. Though the arrivals have not changed much in terms of the results, the performances have gone a notch higher and that is what sheds light t the end of Monaco’s deep dark tunnel.
Performances will turn into results in due time and I have my out most faith in Henry turning this around. The return of key first team players will also aid in the recovery. Theirry Henry took on a challenge that many would have sniffed at, his bravely may have made some question his quailty but fortune favors the brave. Just like he always used to curve balls right around a corner and into the net, Henry’s reward is just around the corner!