Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has revealed how the upbringing of former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry has influenced his own coaching philosophy, explaining why he constantly pushes his players to demand more from themselves.

Ouaddou made the revelation following Pirates' 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby, where his animated touchline behaviour attracted attention. The Moroccan coach explained that his passionate reactions are driven by his desire to achieve excellence and ensure that his players continue improving.

According to Ouaddou, coaching at a big club like Orlando Pirates comes with enormous responsibility, particularly because of the expectations surrounding the Soweto giants. Having spent 17 years playing professional football before moving into coaching, he understands the importance of maintaining high standards.

"It's not easy to do this job. When you played for 17 years and then decide to become a coach, especially at a big club like Pirates, you want the best for your team and your club. I am driven by excellence," Ouaddou said.

To explain his approach, the Pirates coach referred to a story from Thierry Henry's autobiography, describing how the former striker's father demanded more from him even when he delivered outstanding performances as a young footballer.

Henry, who was a special guest at the Soweto Derby, was also spotted having a lengthy conversation with Ouaddou before the match.

The Moroccan revealed that while reading Henry's book, he came across an account of the former striker's relationship with his father during his youth football days in Paris.

According to the story, Henry would sometimes score four or five goals in youth matches and return home expecting praise and congratulations from his father. However, instead of celebrating his achievements, his father would challenge him to do even better.

Ouaddou explained that this mentality reflects the standards he wants to establish among his Orlando Pirates players.

"I had my friend Thierry Henry here. I was reading his book and he said his father was never happy when he was young, playing in a youth team in Paris. I think in Clairefontaine, he was scoring four or five goals and when he came home, he was expecting his father to congratulate him, but he was told it was not enough," he explained.

"He was telling him he should score more. So, I'd like to push my players for excellence, to be better and better."

The Pirates coach further stressed that his approach is rooted in care and responsibility rather than simply criticising his footballers.

He sees himself as both a coach and an older brother who wants his players to reach their full potential.

"As a big brother and a coach, you want the best for the players, but of course, on the side, you can see the emotion of someone who wants to win," he added.

Ouaddou's comments offer insight into the mentality he hopes to build at Orlando Pirates as the club continues pursuing success and maintaining its competitive standards.

Source: https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2117320254921593326