Former Arsenal and Manchester City left-back Gaël Clichy seeks new challenge as head coach | OneFootball

Former France international Gaël Clichy is open to taking the next step in his management career after resigning from his post as assistant coach for France’s U21 side. The three-time Premier League winner joined Thierry Henry’s backroom staff two years ago after hanging up his boots for good. Clichy spent two years as an assistant coach to Henry and then Gérald Baticle before leaving his post in the summer.

Speaking to L’Equipe, the former France international explained that he’d decided that the time had come for him to become a No. 1. Clichy was reportedly offered coaching roles in the United States as well as in Europe, but he still needs to validate his coaching degree next December in Wales. “I told Thierry Henry from the start that I would be the best assistant possible, but I don’t want to lose myself in an assistant role.” The former Manchester City left-back says that his ambition is to coach the best teams in the world. “ I want to test myself to quickly know if I would be a good coach.”

Clichy also revealed that he planned on taking part in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as an overage player. The left-back was reportedly days away from signing for Paris FC when he received a call from France U21 head coach Thierry Henry and the latter offered him an assistant role. “I was realistic in telling myself that my future was more in the dugout than on the pitch.“

GFFN | Bastien Cheval