Emmanuel Petit has said that his former Arsenal team-mate, Thierry Henry, is a “novice” and can only become manager when he has learnt the ropes.
Henry’s name has been put forward as a possible candidate amid increasing speculation that Arsene Wenger will go in the summer and the former Gunners skipper has said he would be interested.
But Petit says he is not ready and should not risk his high standing at the club.
“He has his statue outside the stadium, and he benefits from an impressive credit in terms of affection and love not only from Gunners fans but also the whole Premier League.
“He’s the player, after Ryan Giggs, who has made most impact in the Premier League.
“That shows you the extent to which he is in people’s minds and has been for a long time. If you add to that his passion for football, he could do something good – but he is a novice.
“He’s the third assistant coach of Belgium. When you see Patrick Vieira, who is coaching in the MLS … the MLS is different, but he belongs to Manchester City.
“So, bring back a former player? Yes, but I think that given Arsenal’s current context it’s not what Arsenal need right now. I think they need a seasoned coach who’ll put things on the right track,” Petit told SFR Sport.
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