Thierry Henry lined up for surprise return to management as he leads race for major role two years after last job

THIERRY HENRY is in “pole position” to be named France’s new Under-21 manager with an “announcement imminent”.

France's FA sacked Sylvain Ripoll in July after six years in charge of their U21s after they only reached the quarter-finals of the Euros.

We reported how the 45-year-old Henry, who has become a big hit working as a pundit on CBS, had interviewed for the vacant job earlier this month.

He was one of four candidates for the position alongside Sabri Lamouchi, Jocelyn Gourvennec, and Julien Stephan.

Now are claiming that Henry is in “pole” to replace Ripoll.

And his first tournament in the role would be the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

French Football Federation chiefs Marc Keller (member of the executive committee), Hubert Fournier (national technical director) and the president of the FFF, Philippe Diallo, are the ones deciding on the man who will try to lead their young guns to gold. 

Diallo has confirmed: “The decision should be made in the next few days.

“It’s an important position, especially with the Olympics next year. We have a lot of people interested.”

Arsenal and French legend Henry, the all-time second top scorer for his country, left his job as assistant to Roberto Martinez with Belgium following the World Cup in December.

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He did it all during his iconic playing career but he has struggled to impress in the dug-out.

Henry has amassed a win percentage of just 26.5 across his two stints at Monaco in Ligue 1 and Montreal Impact in America’s MLS.

The ace had two spells working under Martinez with Belgium, helping them to finish third at the 2018 World Cup, but is now keen to return to management.

However, while his managerial capabilities still have a lot to be desired, he has still not lost a step when it comes to his footwork as he showed off some stunning dance moves at NBA icon Tony Parker’s pool party.

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