Thierry Henry now relying on former Arsenal star for key Paris Olympics role after Saliba snub

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Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is preparing for a huge moment in his managerial career as he will manage France at the Olympic Games this summer.

The Olympics are being hosted in the French capital of Paris, and they are preparing to send a strong footballing side to attempt to win gold on home soil.

Henry is Arsenal’s greatest-ever player, but his ventures in management have not been successful so far, having failed in spells at AS Monaco and Montreal Impact.

The former striker is already facing a tough task though, as several top clubs have refused to let their key players join his squad, and even Arsenal left him frustrated after blocking William Saliba from competing at the games, but he has turned to a former captain for help.

Alexandre Lacazette to captain France Olympics Team under Thierry Henry

With French players from clubs such as Arsenal, Real Madrid and Juventus not allowed to join Henry’s squad, he has had to call up some senior players currently playing elsewhere.

Former Arsenal target Michael Olise has been included, whilst Alexandre Lacazette is in the squad as one of a few over-23 players.

The former Arsenal captain, who departed in 2022, will be the captain of Henry’s side, with his experience set to prove invaluable during the tournament.

“[Lacazette] is a great player, a true leader and we are aware of what he can deliver on the pitch,” Henry stated.

Thierry Henry aiming for Olympics glory with France

Should France perform well and win Olympic gold this summer, it would be a huge boost for Henry as he tries to forge out a successful career in management.

Given the quality of the squad at his disposal, which includes Crystal Palace attacker Jean-Phillippe Mateta, and Paris Saint-Germain attacker Bradley Barcola, the expectation for him is to win the tournament.

Lacazette will likely lead the line, having scored 22 goals in 35 games last season. The 33-year-old has found his form at Lyon after a disappointing final season at Arsenal ended with him departing on a free transfer in 2022.

The striker was Arsenal captain for six months after the armband was stripped from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and he will bring a wealth of experience to an otherwise young squad.