Just a decade ago, he was a lower-league football player contemplating the twilight of his career while beginning a coaching role at Accrington Stanley. Fast forward to today, Anthony Barry is set to join Thomas Tuchel’s team as an assistant at the World Cup, marking his position as the only Englishman on the primary coaching staff.
At just 39, Barry boasts an impressive background as an elite coach, with previous stints at Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and the national teams of Portugal and Belgium.
His ascent within the world of football is truly extraordinary.
Born in Liverpool, Barry describes himself as the perfect complement to Tuchel, acknowledging that their contrasting heights and backgrounds can sometimes make their partnership seem a bit unusual. “From the outside, it’s little and large,” he quips, wearing a smile that lights up a brief interview with BBC Sport.
Barry’s Path to Teaming Up with Tuchel
After hanging up his playing boots, Barry began his coaching journey as assistant manager at Wigan. His potential was quickly recognized by Frank Lampard during the UEFA Pro Licence course, resulting in Barry taking on the role of first-team coach at Chelsea in the summer of 2020.
When Lampard was dismissed in January 2021, Tuchel stepped in, retained Barry, and within months, the team secured the Champions League title.
During this period, Barry also expanded his horizons into international coaching, serving as an assistant coach for the Republic of Ireland before taking on a similar position under Roberto Martinez, first with Belgium and then Portugal.
These experiences led him to participate in both the World Cup and European Championship, coaching alongside global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin De Bruyne.
Barry reunited with Tuchel when the latter joined Bayern Munich in 2023.
“Our relationship has developed over time,” Barry explained. “Initially in a professional context, then on a more personal level, we have grown closer.
“We spend a lot of time together talking, working, and building teams—but he is someone I genuinely admire and respect.”
Barry is the only English coach in Tuchel’s core support staff. Alongside Henrique Hilario, Nico Mayer, and James Melbourne, he has joined Tuchel in signing a contract extension until 2028.
Known for being an innovative and passionate coach, Barry also specializes in set pieces. As a former midfielder, he conducted an extensive analysis on 17,000 throw-ins for his Pro Licence dissertation.
However, he rebuffs the notion that set pieces will take on heightened significance at a World Cup with breaks for hydration, effectively dividing the match into quarters.
“I’m uncertain if it will play a larger role,” he commented. “Set pieces have always been crucial.
“Right now, it seems to be a trend widely discussed on social media, and it’s becoming synonymous with football. But that’s not how Thomas and I perceive it. All elite teams have excelled at set pieces historically. It’s always been fundamental, and that remains true for us going to the US.”
Barry has collaborated with Tuchel at Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and now England [Getty Images]
‘Team Spirit is Essential’
Tuchel is determined to instill a club atmosphere within the national team—an approach Barry believes is crucial.
“We aim to create an environment where everyone feels at home,” he shared. “We want to cultivate a brotherhood among the 26 players, encouraging them to enjoy each other’s company in airports, hotels, and on the pitch.”
“I firmly believe in international football. Tactics are key, but with 50 days to train before we head to the US, we wonder how much influence we can truly exert on that aspect. For me, the fuel that drives the team is its spirit and the connections between the players.”
Tuchel and Barry recently announced a 35-player squad for the recent fixtures against Uruguay and Japan and will finalize a 26-man squad for the World Cup in the coming month.
Barry emphasizes their “meticulous approach,” which considers not just a player’s skills but also the “social dynamics” and “psychological aspects” to ensure the team has the right mix for the weeks they’ll spend together.
“We are persistently discussing how to innovate our strategies for winning matches while also creating a squad that we can take pride in,” he added.
Does Playing Style Matter?
As England manager, Tuchel has sought to leverage the physicality inherent in Premier League football. However, the high summer temperatures in the US this coming season may necessitate some adjustments in tactics.
“This will certainly be a challenge,” Barry acknowledged. “It adds another layer we must navigate.
“The heat will affect the level of performance on the pitch, particularly after a lengthy season, but we will not make excuses. We are aware of the heat, and we plan to arrive in the US early so players can adjust and be as prepared as possible.
“We need to outperform our opponents and contend with the heat.”
In the domestic league, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have faced criticism for their performance, despite their significant lead in the Premier League.
When asked about the importance of playing style in relation to winning, Barry stated, “I have immense respect for Arsenal and what Mikel has achieved. Their current form and style are commendable. Anyone who criticizes them is not something I can agree with.
“Our objective is to win the tournament, and we aspire to do it our way. The more belief we instill in our approach, the more the players will resonate with it.”
‘We Understand the Mission’
Last summer, Barry and Tuchel visited the US to observe the Club World Cup.
They evaluated potential training facilities and even studied how the ball maneuvered across the pitch, drawing encouragement from Chelsea’s successful run.
“That’s the key takeaway,” Barry emphasized. “An English team can triumph there, succeeding against Europe’s and South America’s best after a demanding Premier League season.”
Barry acknowledges that he and Tuchel, as proven winners in elite sports, will be evaluated based on the success of the England team in the World Cup.
“We know what the task at hand is,” he affirmed. “We are clear on why we have taken on this role, and we are dedicated to pursuing World Cup victory.
“We want every participant to have the best six weeks of their lives, and that’s the perspective with which we will engage the players and staff—let’s go out there and create unforgettable memories together.”