Thomas Tuchel, the new manager of Bayern Munich, has expressed his confidence in being able to lure Anthony Barry, Chelsea’s assistant coach, to Germany. Tuchel, who was previously the manager of Chelsea, has been appointed as the new boss of Bayern on a deal until 2025, replacing Julian Nagelsmann who was sacked. Tuchel has made it clear that he wants to bring Barry, who he worked with at Stamford Bridge, to the Allianz Arena. He has revealed that it is his “wish” to work alongside the Portugal assistant coach for a second time.
Tuchel has wasted no time in publicly announcing his intentions to raid Chelsea, where he took charge of the team for exactly 100 matches. Despite guiding the west Londoners to Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup success, the 49-year-old was axed by Todd Boehly in September. It is a decision that the American billionaire could regret with Chelsea languishing in tenth spot in the Premier League under the tutelage of Graham Potter. The club is now braced for an approach from Bayern for Barry.
Reports earlier in the week stated how Tuchel was keen to bring Barry to the Allianz Arena. He has now confirmed the rumours, where he revealed it is his “wish” to work alongside the Portugal assistant coach for a second time. Speaking in a press conference unveiling, Tuchel said trusted allies Zsolt Low and Arno Michels will be joining him in Bavaria, with set-piece specialist Barry his next target.
On his pursuit of Barry, Tuchel added: “We’re fighting for that and we’re confident because it’s my absolute wish.” It remains to be seen whether Barry would be willing to make the move to Germany, or if Chelsea would allow the 36-year-old to leave during the season.
Barry was brought to Chelsea in 2020 by then-manager Frank Lampard having been Paul Cook’s assistant at Wigan for three years. He then made the move into coaching on the international stage where he briefly worked with Republic of Ireland’s backroom staff in 2021. And he was part of Belgium’s coaching team at the World Cup in Qatar last year, before following Roberto Martinez to Portugal in January after the Spaniard’s appointment.
Tuchel could come up against Barry and Chelsea this campaign in a possible Champions League semi-final clash, providing Bayern and the Blues get past Manchester City and Real Madrid respectively.