Thierry Henry has turned down the chance to take over as France women’s boss after the sacking of Corinne Diacre, says FFF committee member Jean-Michel Aulas
- Corinne Diacre was dismissed as head coach a few months out from the World Cup
- Jean-Michel Aulas claims Thierry Henry turned down the opportunity
- The search for a new head coach continues with the national team in disarray
Thierry Henry turned down the chance to take over as France women’s national team boss following the sacking of Corinne Diacre, it has been claimed.
Diacre was sacked earlier this month with the side in complete disarray following a raft of players withdrawing from the squad due to his continued leadership of the team.
The French Football Federation described ‘a very significant divide’ that had ‘reached the point of no return’ in their statement parting ways with Diacre, and the search for a new head coach began immediately after the World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand, just a few months away.
However, it turns out that Henry, one of the Federation’s targets, turned down the opportunity.
Jean-Michel Aulas revealed that he personally asked the former Montreal Impact boss if he would be interested.
Thierry Henry has revealed he turned down the chance to take over as France women’s boss
Following the sacking of Corinne Diacre earlier this month amid a highly fractured set up
Jean-Michel Aulas made the revelation as the FFF continue to search for a replacement
‘He considered it, Thierry,’ Aulas told Le Figaro. ‘I asked him the question myself, but the response was not positive.
‘ He was obviously flattered to be asked. We did it because we were told he might be interested.
‘But this is not Thierry Henry. I think he is moving on to other projects.’
Henry left his position as assistant manager of Belgium following their disappointing World Cup campaign. Roberto Martinez has since been hired as boss of Portugal’s national side, although Henry’s next steps remain unclear.
In January, he denied reports that he had offered his services to the Belgian FA to take up the position of head coach.
‘I want to make it very clear that contrary to written reports, I have not been contacted by the Belgian FA offering my services as the new first team coach. I think it’s important that the truthful version of the facts is always presented,’ he told Sky Sports.
The French Football Federation described ‘a very significant divide’ that had ‘reached the point of no return’ in their statement parting ways with Diacre, and the search for a new head coach began immediately after the World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand, just a few months away.
However, it turns out that Henry, one of the Federation’s targets, turned down the opportunity.
With the French national side significantly fractured, the FFF moved to remove Diacre from his post.
Wendie Renard (L) is one of the players who withdrew from selection for this year’s tournament
Senior members of the squad such as Wendie Renard, the former captain and widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, ruled themselves out of selection under Diacre.
‘I love France more than anything, I’m not perfect, far from it, but I can no longer support the current system, which is far from the requirements of the highest level,’ Renard said on social media last month.
‘It’s a sad day but necessary to maintain my mental health. It is with a heavy heart that I come to inform you of my decision to withdraw from the France team.
‘Unfortunately, I will not play in the World Cup under these conditions. My face may hide the pain but my heart is suffering… and I don’t want to suffer anymore.’
He has since declared himself available for selection under a new coach.
