Thierry Henry slams France U-21 stars after loss to South Korea

11/21/2023 Soccer

Thierry Henry slams his France Under-21 players after ‘horrible’ 3-0 defeat against South Korea, as he threatens making wholesale changes to his next squad following back-to-back losses

  • France Under-21s were beaten 3-0 in a friendly by South Korea on Monday
  • Thierry Henry was furious with the performance of his players in the match
  • It’s the world against Everton – it can galvanise the players to stay up – IAKO

France Under-21 manager Thierry Henry launched a scathing attack on his players after their 3-0 defeat against South Korea on Monday.

Having taken over the side in August, Henry began his reign with four successive victories, but their winning run was brought to a halt when they were beaten 2-0 by Austria on Friday.

They were hoping to bounce back against South Korea, but failed to score again and were punished for their defensive errors. Henry was furious with the result and claimed his players had been given a reality check after being humbled in front of their own fans.

‘The result is horrible,’ Henry said. ‘I told the guys that we were taught a lesson in fighting spirit against Austria, and here we have received a lesson in realism.’

Elaborating on where things went wrong, the Arsenal icon added: ‘We can’t allow us to defend like that.’

France Under-21 manager Thierry Henry labelled his team’s 3-0 defeat by South Korea as ‘horrible’

Henry’s team lost twice in three days, and he feels the players have been given a reality check

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Next year promises to be a busy one for France’s young stars, with the Under-21s hoping to get back on track in their qualifying for the 2025 Euros, before the Under-23s then compete at a home Olympics in Paris in the summer.

After watching his side suffer back-to-back losses, Henry has threatened to make wholesale changes to his next squad, hinting that he will rely more on senior players, while those who failed to perform in this international break may face a lengthy wait for their next opportunity. 

‘There will be the (players born in) 2001 (in March’s international break). We’ll certainly have a different XI, just like we’ll have a different XI for the Olympic Games,’ Henry confirmed.

‘We have to prepare and we’ll see who comes back.’

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