Thierry Henry made his managerial debut on Saturday, taking his spot in the Monaco dugout for the side’s 2-1 defeat to Strasbourg.
Though the result was disappointing, there was an air of positivity about the side, a change that often is brought about by a new manager.
Up next is a Champions League encounter against Club Brugge, who like Monaco have yet to pick up a point in the group stage.
What has Henry gleaned from his first game, and what can be expected in Wednesday’s tie?
Here’s a look at the tactical talking points for the rookie manager.
WIDTH THE ANSWER IN ATTACK?
On Saturday, Henry opted for a 4-3-1-2 with his side’s attack tucked in, former Tottenham man Nacer Chadli and Jean-Eudes Aholou serving as narrow wingers. The tactic allowed Monaco’s full-backs, Djibril Sidibe and Benjamin Hendricks, room to bomb up and down the flanks, but also gave space to Strasbourg’s wide men, which they exploited.
Against Brugge, where Monaco will be expected to be on the front foot, the Frenchman may opt to change his strategy and allow Chadli and Aholou to get into better positions to provide service for Stevan Jovetic and Radamel Falcao, if the duo are retained as a front two. The full-backs should maraud anyway, which will give Monaco an advantage in the final third, as well as letting them dominate possession.
Jean-Eudes Aholou.
HENRY’S CENTRE-BACK CONUNDRUM
On Saturday, Henry was missing three first-choice centre-backs. Jemerson and Andrea Raggi were suspended, while Kevin N’Doram was out injured, forcing the manager to play Almamy Toure alongside Kamal Glik in the centre of defence.
Toure started off as a centre-back, before being converted to a right-back by Leonardo Jardim. Chances at his preferred position had been limited until now thanks to Glik and Jemerson, but there’s a case for retaining the Malian even though Jemerson and Raggi are available.
Jemerson hasn’t been in the best form recently, and his confidence has suffered, while Toure had a decent outing against Strasbourg, with his passing a highlight. Though he was beaten for the hosts’ second goal, he may have done enough to become first-choice with his performance.
Almamy Toure.
PLENTY OF OPTIONS IN ATTACK
Monaco’s attack is surprisingly well-stocked considering their lowly league position, with Falcao backed up by players like Jovetic, Adama Traore, Aleksandr Golovin, and young Moussa Sylla, who impressed in a cameo on Saturday after coming on for Falcao.
Golovin, Jovetic, and Falcao started Henry’s first game, though the manager may be in the mood to experiment as he tries to discover his best side. Traore has been a more regular starter, and perhaps Sylla did enough to make his case after Falcao’s injury.
The youngster is likely to get the start, and perhaps Golovin, still finding his way after making a return from injury, will be allowed to get a few games under his belt and find his form. But Henry has plenty of options.
Moussa Sylla.
