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Arsenal icon Thierry Henry once snubbed Arsene Wenger when naming the greatest coach he came across during his playing days. Henry and Wenger were synonymous with one another during their careers, with the legendary manager bringing the budding star to Highbury back in 1999.
Together, the duo would claim two Premier League titles – including the 2003/04 Invincibles season – while simultaneously earning their status as one of the best players and managers respectively in the division's history. However, despite their close relationship and years of incredible success, Henry once claimed that one other coach was superior to his compatriot.
Thierry Henry
Henry Named Pep Guardiola As the Greatest Coach He Ever Saw
Henry spent a short period under the Catlonian's tutelage at Barcelona
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Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast hosted by Gary Lineker, Henry revealed that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was his pick for the greatest coach in the sport's history. While crediting Wenger for the role he had in his career, the ex-forward hailed Guardiola as the top choice and explained some of the things he learned under the former midfielder during his time at Barcelona.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pointing
Henry on Guardiola's Ruthless Side
The Frenchman detailed a side to the City boss rarely discussed
While Guardiola is often lauded as a great tactician, he is not often included in the conversation of the most intimidating bosses in football. However, Henry explained just how ruthless he could be when push came to shove.
"Pep is ruthless and I experienced it," the former Arsenal skipper claimed. "Sometimes I travelled and he used to put me in the stands. I’m 32, 33 at that moment.
"'You make me travel and you put me in the stand?’ So I could be here right now bitter. Like a lot of players would be bitter. But you have to recognise [that what happened is] someone took my position. I opened the door like I did it to someone [in the past] and they took the keys and swallowed them - so you stay out Thierry.
"It was difficult to deal with myself for allowing someone to go in front of me. Pep wants to win. That’s how you have to see it. It’s in the title. If I’m in the stand, it’s because he thinks he can win without me."
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt - accurate as of 17/06/2025.