ARSENE WENGER confirmed Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry went head-to-head for the Bournemouth manager’s job.
Arsenal legend Henry is favourite to land the gig and is in talks with the South Coast side.
Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira were both in the running for the Bournemouth jobCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Arsene Wenger confirmed former midfielder Vieira was ‘in the frame’Credit: Getty – Pool
But his old Gunners team-mate Vieira was also in the running.
Speaking on pundit duty for BeIN Sports during Wednesday night’s Champions League action, Wenger was asked for his thought on Henry’s position as frontrunner for the role.
And the 71-year-old said: “I knew a little bit about Patrick Vieira, when he was in the frame, but Thierry Henry, being at Montreal, I didn’t expect him to leave.
“But it’s a good club, Bournemouth, and I think a good test as well for somebody.
“They have good players and they work well, so I think it’s a great platform for a young manager to show that he can do it in England enough to go to the Premier League.”
The Cherries sacked Jason Tindall at the start of February, placing Jonathan Woodgate in interim charge and are on the hunt for a full-time successor.
Former boss Eddie Howe as well as Chelsea legends Frank Lampard and John Terry have also been linked with the managerial vacancy.
The Bournemouth board have been locked in meetings and interviews for the last two weeks and have spoken Henry – who is odds on favourite for the job.
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However SunSport understands he has not yet been interviewed, although the Cherries would be interested in a formal discussion with the World Cup winner.
Gunners icon Henry is currently in charge at MLS side Club de Foot Montreal, formerly Montreal Impact.
Henry started his coaching career as Roberto Martinez’s assistant with Belgium before earning his first managerial post at Monaco, where he only lasted 20 matches before being fired.
He was appointed at Montreal in November 2019 and has overseen nine wins, four draws and 16 defeats in his 29 matches at the helm.
Vieira has been out of work since leaving French side Nice in December and would have been keen on the role, as would ex-Huddersfield chief David Wagner who is still in the running.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
