Anthony Barry, assistant head coach for England, has described Thomas Tuchel as a “UFO” possessing the “stardust” necessary to achieve World Cup success.
Barry, who has loyally followed Tuchel’s career from Chelsea to Bayern Munich, eagerly joined his coaching team for England, aiming for victory in next summer’s World Cup.
At just 39 years old, Barry has quickly gained a reputation as a talented coach, having started his journey working with Accrington’s under-16s in his mid-20s. His experiences with Tuchel have profoundly influenced him.
“I often say it was a meeting of minds and personalities,” the Liverpudlian expressed. “To say I fell in love with him wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
“When he arrived at Chelsea, he didn’t just walk in—he floated in. His personality and methodology are unlike anything I’ve encountered before.”
“He’s something like a UFO to me—unlike anything I’ve seen. It’s about his approach to coaching and the unique qualities he possesses. There’s an essence to Thomas that I can’t pinpoint; it’s like stardust.
“It’s a special quality—the X-factor we all seek. I’m not convinced it can be learned; it feels like a gift from above. And he continues to embody it today.”
Barry describes Tuchel as having “zero ego” and notes their frequent late-night conversations.
“His messages can pop up at any time; his mind is always active,” Barry shared.
“For us, there’s always another clip to analyze, another training session, another match. Nothing is ever enough.
“He is relentlessly focused on developing teams and players, which is why we resonate so well. I can respond to his messages whenever they come in.”
Fostering a ‘Brotherhood’
Barry believes that cultivating a “brotherhood” within the team is crucial for England’s World Cup ambitions.
This aim for unity is evident in Tuchel’s surprising roster decisions, where he has often excluded prominent players.
Notable absences like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden were seen in the early international camps but have recently been named in the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.
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Barry emphasized the importance of identifying the best England XI rather than merely including star players, asserting that building an unbreakable team spirit is more critical than attempting to replicate successful club teams.
“The objective is clear: to earn a second star by winning the World Cup for England,” he stated.
“But on a deeper level, we strive to create ‘Team England.’
“International football thrives on connection—between players, the mission, and our game plan. To me, if you foster a brotherhood that resonates with the nation, you increase your chances of success.
“Your identity and what you stand for will always outweigh your performance on the field.”
“In international football, it’s unrealistic to expect a team to play like the legendary Barcelona or the recent Manchester City.”
“However, if we can cultivate a brotherhood, a connection, and a shared energy among the players, that will fuel our success in international competitions.
“We must create an environment that everyone wants to join—a brotherhood, a Team England—where players are excited to come and represent.”
England concludes their World Cup qualifying journey with matches against Serbia and Albania this month.