During a debate on CBS Sports on Tuesday about the level of American players in MLS, Thierry Henry was targeted by Mike Grella, a former striker who played in the American league.
A tasty exchange. Consultant for CBS Sports during Champions League matches, Thierry Henry was taken to task by Mike Grella, who played for the New York Red Bulls between 2015 and 2017, after the Frenchman retired from the franchise in 2014. The debate revolved around the current level of the MLS, the North American championship.
“You didn’t replace me”
“I know you played in MLS, I replaced you,” Mike Grella said to Thierry Henry, who believed that American players in the national championship were better in his era than those of recent years. This response from the 37-year-old amused Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards, the other consultants present on set with the Frenchman. “Don’t go on that pitch, you didn’t replace me,” replied the 1998 world champion.
“You’re not going to win with that argument, I asked you a question: who are the best players in MLS right now? Are they American?” Thierry Henry continued. The debate was sparked in reaction to Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment as head coach of the American national team. Ultimately, Mike Grella agreed with his interlocutor. Grella also admitted that the best American players were now playing in Europe.
Coach of the French Espoirs team during the Paris Olympic Games, Thierry Henry led the Bleuets to the silver medal. In the wake of the tournament, the former striker left his post, more than a year after taking office, citing personal reasons.
