Monaco manager Thierry Henry sacked as Leonardo Jardim returns

The Ligue 1 club suspended Henry with immediate effect on Thursday pending a final decision on his future following a wretched run of form, and have officially announced his departure from the post after only three months.

The former France, Arsenal and Barcelona striker took over from the sacked Jardim on October 13, signing a deal until June 2021 after leaving his post as Belgium assistant, but has had a dismal start to his reign.

Under the 41-year-old, who started his professional career at the principality club, Monaco won just two of 12 league games and were beaten 5-1 at home by Strasbourg on Saturday.

"Leonardo Jardim has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Club and, together with his technical staff, will take up his duties as of Sunday," said Monaco on their official website.

"This Friday, the club officially terminated the employment of Thierry Henry. Franck Passi, who led the training session this afternoon, will be in charge of the team for the upcoming match against Dijon."

French newspaper L’Equipe reported that Jardim met with club executives over a meal on Thursday evening to iron out his new deal, which they reported is a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Jardim was only sacked by Monaco three and a half months ago.

"Thierry Henry is a football legend but due to a very unfavorable mix of circumstances, including, above all, numerous injuries to our players, hampered him from quickly and effectively leading the team out of the crisis," said Vadim Vasilyev, the vice-president if Monaco.

"Therefore, we have made a decision to end our partnership with Thierry Henry.

"We approached Leonardo Jardim with a proposal to return to AS Monaco, where he had already achieved excellent results over the course of four seasons. We have signed a contract for two and a half years.

"The mistakes made during the summer transfer window were taken into account, and this winter we have worked more thoroughly to strengthen the team. We have worked hard, and, as you are aware, new players have already joined us. The winter transfer window is not over yet and further new signings should not be ruled out.

"We hope that it is not too late to address the situation. We do believe that our players will gain momentum and that, together with Leonardo Jardim as the manager, ASM will be able to overcome this crisis."

Monaco – who have signed Cesc Fabregas, Naldo, Fode Toure and Lyle Foster this month – were also knocked out of the Coupe de France on Tuesday night, losing 3-1 at home to Ligue 2 side Metz.