First Team
Match Report | Rangers 1-1 Dundee United
23rd November 2024
Speaking at Barcelona’s conference today, Thierry Henry revealed that he was not surprised by the difficulty of last night’s game at Tannadice, and also lavished praise on United skipper Barry Robson.
Barça’s €24m summer signing from Arsenal was speaking at his first official press conference since his transfer to the Catalan giants was confirmed. Dundee United Media asked him whether the friendly against United had been more difficult than Barcelona’s players had expected.
“The game was a good workout. It was difficult, and Dundee United gave us a good game, but I was not surprised as I knew it would be difficult. It was a good game, we won it with a penalty but Dundee United created a couple of chances and had a goal disallowed.”
“Most important for us was that it was a good workout, and was an important part of our pre-season preparations.”
The Frenchman was also asked whether his first week training with Barcelona allowed him to judge on speculation that players from Scotland and England lacked the technical ability of some of the world stars he’s seen at Barcelona. Henry thought it was not necessarily the case, and used Barry Robson as an example.
“It’s harsh to say that [British players lack technical ability]. Look at players like Joe Cole or Shaun Wright-Phillips in England. Last night, I thought Dundee United’s captain had a good touch, and he is Scottish. He showed good ability on the ball. The players on Dundee United’s left side also played well.”
“I was with France when we lost in Scotland [last year]. I think sometimes it is not just down to technique. All British sides have great commitment, which is also important.”
Henry had earlier been asked whether he was happy to be back on the pitch last night, his first match action for some time.
“It was nice to make my debut for Barcelona last night – albeit not my official one – and it was also nice to score, so it was a double good feeling last night. It was important to enjoy it, my first 45 minutes for five months.”
“My last game was for Arsenal against PSV in the Champions League, and that was my first appearance after three or four weeks out, so it was good to get the sensation of playing again. It went well, I am tired but not too tired, which is a good sign for the future.”
Despite being the new addition in the team, Henry took the responsibility of taking the match-winning penalty for Barcelona, and he revealed that he was prepared to pass up the opportunity for a debut goal.
“I have just arrived [at Barcelona], so I asked Deco if he wanted to take it, but he said I should, so it was as simple as that.”
