THIERRY HENRY has emerged as a shock contender to take over from Ernesto Valverde at Barcelona, according to reports.
Valverde’s current deal expires at the end of the season, with both he and the club itself having an option to extend his stay by a year if they so wish.
Thierry Henry has emerged as a shock contender to take over at the Camp NouCredit: AFP or licensors
But doubts have emerged in Spain as to whether either party will want to keep the 55-year-old in Catalonia beyond the end of the current campaign.
A decision must be reached between both club and manager by the end of April, and Barcelona chiefs are mindful of undermining Valverde in the meantime by actively pursuing a successor.
But Sport claim that they do already have a number of names in mind should Valverde depart – with Thierry Henry beginning to emerge as a serious candidate.
Barcelona believe that their next coach must have a clear understanding of the identity and playing traditions of their illustrious club, and Henry fits the bill.
Having represented the Blaugrana with distinction for three seasons between 2007 and 2010 Henry is a popular figure at the Camp Nou.
The Frenchman did flop in his first managerial post at Monaco, however, winning just four of his 20 games in charge before being sacked with the club embroiled in a relegation battle.
Henry flopped as Monaco manager, winning just four of his 20 games in chargeCredit: AFP or licensors
Henry has a good relationship with Lionel Messi from his playing daysCredit: AFP
But Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu believes that Henry’s good relationship with key figures at the club, including Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique, would stand him in good stead if he were to take over.
Henry was appointed manager of MLS club Montreal Impact last month, but has yet to oversee a match as the North American season doesn’t kick off until the end of February.
Barcelona do not expect much difficulty getting Henry out of his contract in Montreal, should they opt to appoint him.
Henry isn’t the only name on the ever-growing list of potential successors to Valverde, however.
While a return for Pep Guardiola or Luis Enrique seems unrealistic, the likes of Ronald Koeman, Jordi Cruyff, Marcelo Gallardo, Erik ten Hag and Roberto Moreno are considered realistic contenders.
Henry is currently manager of MLS club Montreal ImpactCredit: AP:Associated Press
Valverde has regularly been criticised at Barcelona, with many believing his side are simply not good enough.
This criticism comes despite the fact he has won La Liga in both of his full seasons in charge so far – and currently sits top of the table again heading into the new year.
Style of play and spectacular collapses in the Champions League have been the main factors in undermining Valverde’s position – with the Basque manager likely to move on in the summer.
Man United join transfer race for £17m Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo – but are put off by buy-back clause
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
