Arsenal legend Thierry Henry appeared on Sky Sports Monday Night Football to discuss Mikel Arteta's work and the Gunners' priorities before the Carabao Cup final
Thierry Henry talking on Monday Night Football
Thierry Henry came to the defence of Mikel Arteta on Monday Night Football
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Thierry Henry maintains that Arsenal should prioritise the Premier League over this weekend's Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. The Gunners' legend also says that Mikel Arteta's work must be respected.
The ex-Monaco and Montreal Impact coach knows from his own experience that managing is not straightforward. Henry's first role lasted barely three months, and he spent just a single season in Major League Soccer before stepping down due to family circumstances.
He also managed the France under-21s and the men's Olympic team. However, he resigned after a year following the hosts' loss to Spain in the gold medal match.
Henry discussed Arteta and Arsenal's priorities during an appearance on Monday Night Football. He said on Sky Sports: "Because of the seven years and the trust, at one point, I'm sure Mikel will tell you he wants to give something back and show why you could trust him.
"He has an opportunity to do that, obviously, at the weekend. But for me, the big one is the league.
"It gives you a different feeling. You can attract different players; people might think that they're going to come here and win the league. I'm not going to talk about 'it's done'.
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry is not yet ready to concede that the Premier League title race is done
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"I don't get carried away. I don't go overboard, like I don't go under it, but you have to respect what this man is doing. A lot of people are talking at the moment, I don't even know if they won the league as a player or as a coach, so it's easy to speak.
"I've been a coach for one second, it's not an easy one. They backed him up, and I'm sure he wants to give something back."
Henry also defended Arteta's strategy and Arsenal's style of play. He stated: "I don't have to like it as an Arsenal fan, but I surely respect it.
"After 22 years, I'm not saying that we're going to win the league, but no matter how they're going to do it, I'm going to respect it. It doesn't matter what I like, it doesn't matter what my mum likes, or what my dad likes.
"We asked Mikel Arteta to find a way, and he did. It's as simple as that. I want to win the league; it's been 22 years.
"For a very long time, Arsenal have been accused of being boys. Not being able to keep a lead, getting bullied. Can they win ugly? That's exactly what the team is doing and mastering that."
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