The Red Bulls’ annual offseason overhaul produced a litany of questions, from how to replace MLS’ second-leading scorer to how will feisty French captain Thierry Henry react to new coach Mike Petke, an inexperienced 37-year-old who survived a protracted coaching search and inherited his first head-coaching gig.
But with the Red Bulls opening the season March 3 at Portland and playing their home opener two weeks later against D.C. United, Petke insisted yesterday Henry and his other high-priced stars like Tim Cahill and newcomer Juninho have bought it. Petke said that same fire that sometimes boils over in Henry will make his job easier, not harder.
“I know the perception people have of Thierry and I can understand why,’’ said Petke. “[But] that’s a player you want on your team. He’s a guy who demands excellence. Could he go overboard sometimes? I look at him like a Michael Jordan or a Wayne Gretzky. How do you think he got to the level he’s at?
“If I have him working after practice every day and I have a rookie walking off the field, you can grab him by the neck and say that guy who’s accomplished everything in the world is doing the extra work: Where the hell are you going?’’
The Red Bulls tabbed Petke, their all-time leader in games played, in hopes he can be their Pep Guardiola. Petke told GM Andy Roxburgh he wouldn’t take the job unless the players and front office were in accord, and Henry—- who won a Champions League under Guardiola in Barcelona — clearly is.
“He’s the same he was as a player. Desire, committed, passionate about the club,’’ said Henry. “Hopefully we can do better. … We’re not far from doing well.’’
Henry praised newcomers Fabian Espindola and Juninho, and said they’ll all have to pick up the slack for Kenny Cooper, who signed with FC Dallas.
“To replace 18 goals we’re going to have to all share that,’’ said Henry. “Kenny was a hell of a goal-scorer. Kenny was [moved] for the salary cap, that’s the only reason he left. It wasn’t for [soccer] reasons. It is annoying.’’
Henry, 35, has two years left on his deal, Juninho signing for one with an option for a second.