After signing with sports brand On, Henry was interviewed by AS. At the end of the interview, he discussed this summer's World Cup, sharing his views on Spain, Argentina, and France, and discussing the evolution of modern football.

A few questions about the World Cup. Are you enjoying the tournament?

Yes, I'm really enjoying it.

What's your take on Spain's team? Are they the strongest?

I've said it before: the core of this team is the team itself. The team is the star. You know, I've always lost to Spain in every major tournament. I won't name the whole squad, but everyone sees it.

I always emphasize: their training methods, team identity, football philosophy, and the value of prioritizing collective play over individual brilliance ultimately brought them to the championship. The strongest team wins the World Cup, there's no doubt about it. This is a masterpiece of elite football.

Many people have praised this team's solid defense throughout the tournament. How do you analyze it?

People always talk about isolated details like conceding only one goal, but I'm almost certain Spain allowed only 10 shots on target throughout the entire tournament. If high pressing is effective and opponents are kept away from goal, this can be achieved.

People often discuss how to limit this national team. Is it as simple as everyone says?

When it comes to Spain, one thing always strikes me: everyone always says you must do this and that against Spain. But when you don't have the ball, you have to learn how to play without it.

What must you do against a team like this?

This World Cup has so many highlights. Spain is dominant both when they have the ball and when they don't. Watching them play is a joy. In fact, they're the one team I least want to face; they're extremely difficult to play against, and we've always struggled against them in the past.

There were also important individual defensive plays in matches, like Cubarsí's defense...

Exactly. I remember Cubarsí's tackle; without that defense, a goal would have been scored. It reminds me of what I saw at the Olympics. Back then, I specifically spoke with the coaches; their performance was extraordinary, and it wasn't a coincidence. It happened again at the World Cup.

Do you think this squad has received more collective recognition compared to the golden generation of Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets?

Back then, people would say, "Of course a squad with Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Puyol, and Ramos would win the championship." People didn't realize that was also a team built on collective play. Now, people can better understand the value of teamwork because today's players don't have the same level of individual exposure as before, but the essence of the team hasn't changed.

So has the characteristics of the players changed?

I'm talking about the system, not individual players. I've always admired their football philosophy; they operate as a team. The coaching staff has known these young players since their youth academy days, understanding them thoroughly, which allows for tactical continuity.

Besides Spain, what other highlights from this World Cup caught your attention?

I've witnessed Argentina's many comebacks. In every match, everyone thought they were knocked out, but they always managed to turn things around. And France's brilliant performance; everyone was saying, "My goodness, who can stop this team?"

Speaking of France, how do you evaluate the new era under Zidane?

That's not a topic I can discuss. I wish him all the best.

Speaking of physical confrontation, modern football increasingly demands high levels of physical fitness. Spain plays beautiful football, but their physical intensity is also very strong. Do you agree?

It depends on what you mean by "physical"—do you mean physical contact or game intensity? In my era, physical contact was more intense. Nowadays, many actions would result in a yellow card or even a red card. That style of play is no longer allowed.

If we're talking about game intensity, that has definitely changed. Many teams defend deep and rely on quick transitions, while others prefer possession and high-pressing football. When executing counterattacks, players must repeatedly sprint at high speed, which demands very high physical endurance.

In which direction do you think football as a sport is developing?

Football has clearly changed; there are more tactical patterns, and the frequency of high-intensity sprints has increased, which is natural. But one thing about Spain's approach has always remained constant: their style of play is consistent. Players run, the ball flows. Ultimately, the essence of football remains unchanged: putting the ball in the goal.

Make a bold prediction: in the first month of this season, which team do you think is the strongest in the world right now? Should I answer that now?

The strongest team at any given stage constantly changes, so I'm reluctant to answer this question because it only reflects the current moment. Think about PSG last season; nobody expected them to win the Champions League at the start of the season, but they did. Things are always unpredictable. That said, I must admit Barcelona is currently very strong and frightening.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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