Thierry Henry has expressed his belief that Arsenal could have thrived under former Arsenal manager Unai Emery had the club given him more time.
Emery Deserved More Time”: Thierry Henry Reflects on Arsenal’s Missed Opportunity
Speaking in a recent interview, the Arsenal legend criticized the club’s decision to sack Emery after just 18 months, suggesting the Spaniard had the potential to succeed in North London.
“We all know what he did in Spain with Sevilla and Villarreal. If Arsenal had kept him longer, I’m convinced he would have been a success,” Henry stated.
Emery, who took over after Arsene Wenger’s 22-year reign, struggled to establish consistency at Arsenal but later proved his quality with Villarreal, winning the Europa League and impressing at Aston Villa.
Henry acknowledged Mikel Arteta’s current success but hinted that Emery’s abrupt exit might have been premature.
“Mikel is doing well, no doubt, but Emery showed his class right after he left Arsenal,” Henry added.
“I have massive respect for him.”
Henry’s sentiment was echoed by former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who praised Emery’s European achievements.
“He’s one of the best coaches in European football. What he’s done with Aston Villa is remarkable.”
Emery’s turnaround at Villa, taking them from relegation contenders to Champions League hopefuls, has only strengthened Henry’s belief that Arsenal missed an opportunity by not allowing him more time to settle.
While Arteta continues to shape Arsenal’s future, Henry’s comments are a reminder of what could have been had Emery’s tenure been given a longer leash.
