Thierry Henry is leaving Montreal.
CF Montreal announced today that Henry is stepping down in his role as head coach for family reasons.
“It is with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to take this decision,” Henry said in a statement. “The last year has been an extremely difficult one for me personally. Due to the worldwide pandemic, I was unable to see my children. Unfortunately due to the ongoing restrictions and the fact that we will have to relocate to the US again for several months will be no different. The separation is too much of a strain for me and my kids. Therefore, it is with much sadness that I must take the decision to return to London and leave CF MontrĂ©al.”
@clubdefootmtl pic.twitter.com/SklRRwsJiM
— Thierry Henry (@ThierryHenry) February 25, 2021
Henry was appointed head coach in 2019, and, in 2020, he led the team to the MLS playoffs for the first time since the 2016 season. He also led the team to the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions League.
“I would like to thank the fans, players and all the staff of this Club that have made me feel so welcome,” Henry added. “We had an impossible year together and to make the playoffs with this group of people is an experience that I will never forget. Thank you all for being there on this journey and I wish you all the success for the future.”
“Thierry’s departure is unfortunate and premature because this was very promising, but he informed me of his desire to be back with his family because the situation was and remains very difficult for both him and his family,” CF Montreal Sporting Director, Olivier Renard said. “I want to thank him, first on a human level because he led the players by example last year by being away from his family, but also from a sporting level and for what we have built together since his arrival. We wanted to elevate this club and we are on the right track.”
As for who the next coach will be, Renard says that process has already begun.
“The process of finding a new head coach is already underway and I will be looking for someone who is aligned with the philosophy we have implemented.”
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