Henry lays into France U-21s as he admits his players were "taught a lesson"

Thierry Henry has failed to reproduce the kind of magic he was capable of so often as a player since becoming a manager.

The Arsenal icon is now at the helm of France Under-21s and while this is undoubtedly the brightest start he's made in a managerial role, we've only had to wait six games for him to issue a public, scathing assessment of his own players. This time, it came after a 3-0 defeat by South Korea on Monday.

Four victories from his first four games in charge meant Henry got off to the dream start, but back to back losses against Austria and South Korea would appear to mean his patience is already wearing thin with sections of his squad.

"The result is horrible," Henry said. "I told the guys that we were taught a lesson in fighting spirit against Austria, and here we have received a lesson in realism. We can’t allow us to defend like that."

Henry has history when it comes to taking aim at his own squad in public. During his first ever top job at Monaco, the two-time Premier League winner made not-so-subtle jibes over a lack of desire within the group.

"Against Dortmund (in the Champions League ), I said, even if we knew we were already eliminated, I'm really upset because you cannot lose like that. Tonight, we did exactly the same thing," Henry told France Football.

"Look at the first two goals. On the first goal, we give them the ball for free. The second goal sums up the match for me. A pass of 35 meters I think from Denayer between two players. I cannot understand how that pass happens. Then there's a guy who wants to focus, to score and one who does not want to defend.

"You can play four or five defenders but with a lack of desire, it's hard to win a football match. It was a lack of desire tonight on the goals.