Thierry Henry has named his three clear favourites to lift the UEFA Champions League this season, placing Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain above the rest. In his recent analysis, the Arsenal legend explained that these teams have shown the right balance of form, consistency, and structure to go all the way in Europe this term.
“Right now, I think Arsenal and Bayern are the two most impressive teams I’ve seen when you look at their performances domestically and what they’re doing in the Champions League,” Henry said. He went on to highlight that success in Europe comes down to two simple but vital elements: depth and defensive solidity. According to him, Arsenal now possess both qualities, which makes them genuine contenders for the title.
Henry also reflected on his own experiences, drawing parallels with successful teams of the past. “My Liverpool team that won the Champions League were not a great team attacking-wise but we were strong defensively,” he said. The comment underscored his belief that no team, no matter how talented in attack, can win Europe’s biggest trophy without a reliable back line.
However, when it came to Liverpool’s current side under Arne Slot, Henry offered a warning rather than praise. The Frenchman expressed doubts about Liverpool’s ability to compete with the very best this season, claiming that they concede too many goals to be considered true favourites. Despite their attacking quality and exciting new signings, Henry believes the Reds’ defensive weaknesses could cost them when the competition reaches its toughest stages.
He cautioned that in the Champions League, small errors are punished severely, and without greater defensive discipline, Liverpool may find it difficult to progress deep into the tournament. “They have the ambition and the talent, but in this competition, the margin for error is small. You need to be tight at the back,” Henry said.
His comments paint a clear picture of where the current balance of power lies in Europe. Arsenal, backed by a solid defence and growing belief, have earned Henry’s respect. Bayern Munich and PSG remain ever-present threats with their depth and experience at this level. Liverpool, meanwhile, find themselves in a challenging position—still one of the biggest clubs in Europe, but with work to do if they are to reclaim their place among the continent’s elite.
Henry’s analysis also reflects a broader truth about the modern Champions League. It’s no longer enough to simply outscore opponents. The teams that lift the trophy are those that combine attacking flair with tactical discipline and defensive control. For Liverpool and others hoping to challenge the likes of Arsenal, Bayern, and PSG, the message is simple: goals win games, but strong defences win titles.
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