Ouaddou reveals how Henry is helping him sharpen Pirates

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has opened up about how his players are benefiting from his relationship with Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry.

Ouaddou terms Henry a close friend dating back to their playing days when he played for Fulham while the legendary striker turned out for Arsenal.

The two met again in South Africa at the weekend when Henry attended the Soweto derby as a guest for the league’s sponsors.

Thierry Henry attended the Soweto Derby. Image: Betway ZA

Ouaddou, whose Pirates won the Soweto derby 2-1 against Kaizer Chiefs, says his ever-demanding nature comes from reading Henry’s book as it explains how his winning mentality was shaped by his father who never settled for less.

How Henry’s mentality is helping Ouaddou

“I had my friend Thierry Henry here [at the derby match]. I was reading his book and he said his father was never happy when he was young, playing in a youth team in Paris,” Ouaddou told iDiski Times.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou embraces Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. Image: Betway ZA

“I think in Clairefontaine, he was scoring four or five goals and when he came home, he was expecting his father to congratulate him, but he was told it was not enough. He was telling him he should score more.”

The Moroccan coach says that philosophy has rubbed off on him and that is why he is never happy whenever his players are satisfied with few goals or waste clear-cut opportunities in matches.

Pirates coach instilling winning mentality

“So, I’d like to push my players for excellence, to be better and better. As a big brother and a coach, you want the best for the players, but of course, on the side, you can see the emotion of someone who wants to win,” he added.

Thierry Henry at the FNB Stadium for the Soweto derby. Image: Betway ZA

Ouaddou has defended his tendency to show emotions on the touchline, saying it is important for his payers to get used to that as it can help them cope with the pressures of playing in big games like the Soweto Derby.

“In some players, depending on their profile, my emotion can push them to be the best and for some who have a weak mentality, when they see the emotion of the coach, they can be surprised, but high level is a lot of emotions and pressure. And you have to manage these emotions,” he added.