Thierry Henry is to soccer what Albert Einstein is to physics.
That's the analogy New York Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke made on Monday, an analogy that might be difficult to dispute given Henry’s notoriously high soccer IQ. That sophisticated soccer mind will be on display this Sunday when the 37-year-old forward leads the Red Bulls into their final home game of the regular season against the Columbus Crew. Petke plans to enjoy the match – as much as his nerves will allow – given that it technically could be Henry’s final match at Red Bull Arena.
“I’ve said many times about what he’s done on the field and what he can do, which is amazing, but to have a conversation with Thierry about soccer is like talking to Albert Einstein about physics,” said Petka in his weekly conference call. “It’s truly amazing, to be honest with you. I think for a long time after this, the affect of Thierry Henry is going to be felt. It’s not necessarily a great thing, because to replace someone like him if, if, this is his last year will be I don’t want to say impossible, but pretty damn near impossible.”
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While there has been no confirmation regarding Henry's future when his contract in New York expires this offseason, a whirlwind of rumors continues to point to retirement or, at the very least, a Red Bulls departure. Petke insisted Monday that no decision has yet been made, but was full of praise for the legendary striker when asked what he takes away from Henry’s time at Red Bull Arena.
Petke also made a revelatory, though not entirely surprising, admission when explaining how he came up with the 4-2-3-1 formation that the
Red Bulls have used to much success in recent weeks
, saying Henry played a part in the tactical adjustment that helped New York shore things up defensively.
It was likely something that came up in the season-changing discussion between the two men in early September, and just the latest in a grocery list of examples of Henry’s deep understanding for the game.
“It was a discussion with the staff and I, and to give credit as well – I’d be stupid not to give credit to this person – but Thierry Henry as our captain,” said Petke. “All the conversations I’ve had with him specifically over the last month-and-a-half to talk about his experience, to talk about his time at Arsenal and Barcelona, to listen to his suggestions, to throw stuff off of him.
“It’s always been that away to an extent, but especially this year now, it’d be stupid not to utilize somebody with that experience and to have these soccer conversations with.”
With two weeks left in the regular season and a minimum of one playoff game still on the schedule, those conversations between Henry and Petke will undoubtedly continue. Then, after the season has run its course, it’s up to Henry to decide where his future lies.
“You remember, you take whatever you can from his time here and you cherish the memories, to be honest with you,” said Petke. “The fans as well. Hopefully this isn’t his last year, but if it is, they should enjoy this last game and hopefully couple more playoffs games after that.”
Franco Panizo covers the New York Red Bulls for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached by email at Franco8813@gmail.com.
