During Tuesday’s Champions League coverage on CBS, the former forward for Barcelona and Arsenal shared his comments.
Thierry Henry has stated who of Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland he would like to coach.
Prior to Tuesday’s Champions League play-off match between Real Madrid and Manchester City, Henry, 47, was joined by presenter Kate Scott, fellow former Premier League players Micah Richards, and Jamie Carragher.
Speaking on CBS, Henry stated, “With him [Erling Haaland], they [Manchester City] won the treble.”
“The verdict is still out, but you have to show him that respect.”
The focus then shifted to 26-year-old Mbappé.
“In my opinion, Kylian [Mbappé] has more of a pass. For one and a half years, this man has been attempting to play like a nine,” he continued.
“They attempted it with Paris Saint-Germain, but it was unsuccessful. People will dispute all around the world about his doing it at Real Madrid, the biggest club in Europe.
“He needs to get used to playing as a center-forward.” Since the start of his career, this guy [Erling Haaland] has been playing like a nine.
“We believed that these two men were pursuing [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo, but now that their identities have been confirmed, people continue to doubt their style of play rather than their impressive goal totals.”
"Mbappé all day."
Thierry Henry picks his striker between Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland from a coach's point of view 👀 pic.twitter.com/i1sgINx0RX
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 11, 2025
The 47-year-old Carragher then asked if the Frenchman believes the two are “two of the best players in the world right now.”
“Obviously… They may not be the two best, but they are at the top,” Henry clarified.
There are many who claim that Mbappé, Vinicius, or Lamine Yamal will arrive. All I’m saying is that it’s not a given.
Henry immediately responded, “Mbappé all day,” when Carragher asked him who he would love to have on his team as a center-forward.
Henry clarified, “I’ll tell you why, because he does offer different options for a coach.” He has the ability to play in the middle, on the left, and on the right.
“Is there a position other than nine that Haaland can play?”
Given that they were both defenders, the former Barcelona striker then asked his fellow panellists who they would want to mark. The 36-year-old Richards stated that he would “prefer Haaland because you know he wants to run in behind,” and Carragher agreed.
