'Full package' Barry leaves Chelsea to join Tuchel at Bayern Munich

ANTHONY BARRY has left Chelsea after almost three years to become Thomas Tuchel’s assistant at Bayern Munich.

The duo worked together during Tuchel’s 20 months in charge of Chelsea, during which time the club won the 2021 Champions League. Tuchel had revealed that he wanted Barry on his staff as soon as he took over at Bayern, but it has taken the two clubs several weeks to agree a compensation package for the 36-year-old.

However, an upbeat Tuchel announced that Barry had “just arrived” when he spoke at his press conference this morning. He added that the set piece expert would be on the bench for Bayern's Bundesliga match at Mainz tomorrow.

“Finally, a good coach here, finally quality in the coaching team!” Tuchel joked. "I'm very happy, you can see that on my face. We fought and waited hard and long, we really wanted him here.

“He has the whole package - the personality, the love and passion for the game, the quality in the smallest exercises.”

Tuchel said Barry, 36, had taken the work of his coaching staff to “a whole new level" at Chelsea.

"The energy and desire to pay attention to every detail in training is great," he said. "Of course, he alone is responsible for tomorrow's result!”

Barry originally joined Chelsea as first-team coach under Frank Lampard in August 2020. He had become friends with Lampard - who is now back for a second spell in charge of the Blues - when they did their UEFA Pro Licence together.

Liverpool-born Barry had produced a detailed thesis on throw-ins that impressed both tutors and fellow students. When Lampard was sacked, Barry had the opportunity to become manager of Fleetwood Town, but opted to remain at Chelsea under Tuchel and then Graham Potter.

He has been described as a “set piece master” and has forged strong relationships with Chelsea's players and staff. Barry also works with the Portugal national team, alongside Martinez, with whom he worked for Belgium

Tuchel has already brought his long-time assistants Arno Michels and Zsolt Low with him to Bayern.