The former Arsenal forward, who played for the New York Red Bulls, called on the USMNT to improve after a poor run of form
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Thierry Henry acknowledged that "the national team is suffering"Suggested that the player have to raise their levelUSMNT have two friendlies in early June, Gold Cup soon afterFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Former France, Arsenal and New York Red Bulls legend Thierry Henry said there should be concern over the current form of the U.S. men's national team, especially considering its disappointing performance at the Nations League Final.
"The national team is kind of suffering," he said during CBS's press conference for the upcoming UEFA Champions League Final.
The U.S. crashed out of the Nations League Finals, securing fourth place, after winning the previous iterations of the tournament. Henry, who covered that tournament for CBS and played five seasons in MLS, acknowledged that the team is going through a rough period under Mauricio Pochettino. He has put the onus on the players to elevate performances and show that they can surpass expectations ahead of a home World Cup in 2026.
"I said it so many times, people compare the teams of 2002, 2006 to this one… but is the level of the players that I used to see in the national team the same now as it was before? I don't know. But it's up to the new generation to show that they can raise that," he said.
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Henry also commented on the state of soccer in the U.S., believing Americans love the sport as he saw it first-hand as a member of the Red Bulls.
"Myself, personally, I have zero doubt that America loves football, and I will call it football. I have zero doubt. I've been there. I know how people feel," he said. "I know when I was playing in Harrison, New Jersey, when I was playing for the Red Bulls, what people felt and did for the game."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
It will be a pivotal couple of months for Pochettino, whose USMNT will play a duo of friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland, before they begin group stage play in the Gold Cup in mid-June. Christian Pulisic will not be in the squad.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR THIERRY HENRY?
The French forward's comments came ahead of the Champions League final, where he will broadcast for CBS and Paramount+. Henry, Micah Richards, Jamie Carragher and Kate Scott are set to offer their analysis on the game on May 31.