Henry backed to emulate Guardiola as Arsenal manager

Matt Stead

Thierry Henry can have the same effect at Arsenal that Pep Guardiola did at Barcelona, according to the man who handed the Manchester City manager his first chance.

Joan Laporta served as Barcelona president from 2003 until 2010, overseeing the most successful period in the club’s history.

Laporta was integral in the appointment of an untested Guardiola as manager in summer 2008, with the Spaniard delivering 14 trophies in four years.

Many believe that Henry could have a similar galvanising effect at Arsenal that Guardiola did at the Nou Camp, with the Frenchman similarly untried as a manager.

The Arsenal legend is one of seven candidates to replace Arsene Wenger, and Laporta feels he could be a success.

“The same requirements we were appreciating in Pep Guardiola when we decided to put him as a coach of the first team, Thierry has many of them,” Laporta told the Daily Telegraph.

“I know that Thierry loves Arsenal, he loves them. He is a gentleman and a very serious guy, and a very responsible guy.

“If he wants to become a coach and more specifically wants to coach Arsenal, then it is because he is convinced he will do it very well because he is looking for excellence all the time – just as when he was a player.

“He knows football, as one of the best players in the world. These kinds of people, like Pep Guardiola and Johan Cruyff, they know very well football.

“They don’t need the extended period maybe that other coaches need to be a great coach.

“He knows Arsenal, the supporters, the club and he’s a guy that deserves everything he would like to achieve.

“I believe he could be a very good coach. For him, with his reputation, it’s not acceptable to fail.”