Originally a coach for the Republic of Ireland, Anthony Barry has now been selected as the new assistant to England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel. Despite media speculation suggesting Barry might succeed previous coach, Stephen Kenny, the English Football Association (FA) has chosen to acknowledge Barry’s significant international experience, particularly highlighting his roles with the Belgium and Portugal teams.
Now 38-years-old and recognised globally, Barry’s journey to his current position is impressive. A decade ago, he was a minor league footballer, casually playing the game. His major breakthrough came at the age of 30, thanks to former manager of Sligo Rovers, Paul Cook. After Barry left Wrexham FC, ending his football playing career, him and Cook got together at Wigan Athletic, marking a fresh start in Barry’s professional journey.
Reflecting on his career transition, Barry spoke about feeling unsettled during his playing days due to frequent injuries and the lower league level. He followed his instinct and decided to end his playing career, despite advice to pursue playing for as long as possible.
As a coach, Barry credits his quick ascent in the ranks to fortunate circumstances. Studying alongside Frank Lampard for their Uefa pro licence at St George’s Park was his first stroke of good luck. His meticulous study of 16,380 throw-ins for his dissertation, titled The Undervalued Set-piece, caught Lampard’s attention. This led to Lampard inviting him to join Chelsea when he became manager there.
Barry’s expertise in designing set-pieces was well-respected, earning him a spot on Tuchel’s team after Lampard’s departure. The pair tasted victory together in their first season, winning the Champions League. His significant contribution to the team led Tuchel to request Bayern Munich to compensate Chelsea €1 million to secure his coaching talents. Now, Barry continues his rapid upward trajectory as he settles into his new role alongside Tuchel in England.
In early 2021, Barry assumed the role of Ireland’s assistant coach, a position formerly occupied by Damien Duff. This appointment by Kenny marked the beginning of his trend of juggling responsibilities between national and club roles. However, Barry’s stint with Ireland lasted less than a year, ending when Belgian coach Roberto Martinez offered him an unmissable opportunity.
During his time with Ireland, he participated in 12 matches, inclusive of the unfortunate 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign that went downhill with a disappointing 1-0 loss to Luxembourg on home turf. However, there was an improvement in results as the year went on. The only defeat in a 10-match run was a last-minute loss to Portugal, leading up to an eventual victory over Luxembourg and an extended contract for Kenny.
Barry specialised in set-pieces, which was evident when Ireland scored five times directly from a free kick or corner in 2021, with only two conceded goals. His influence was not limited to plays after stoppages, and his method of handling training sessions was beneficial, as recalled by Daryl Horgan. The player appreciated Barry’s clear and precise instructions, infused with common sense, even without resorting to any extraordinary measures.
There was an instance where Kenny jubilantly embraced Barry following a strategically designed corner play against Qatar that concluded with a goal by James McClean. Upon Barry’s departure, Kenny described him as an insightful coach who shared a positive relationship with staff and players. He also mentioned Barry’s exceptional training techniques.
Later, remembering his stint with Ireland, Barry stated that they were constructing something they felt proud of. Afterwards, Barry joined Martinez in Portugal and reunited with Tuchel at Bayern in a repeat dual role. His time in Germany saw him build friendships with Harry Kane and Eric Dier, with their conversations ranging from Monday Night Football to Britain’s Got Talent.
When Tuchel and Bayern had a falling out, rumours sprung about Barry potentially taking up the Ireland coaching job. However, nothing came from it, and Barry was drawn more to his native country. He acknowledged that for any British footballer, working with the national team is considered the ultimate achievement. “I didn’t waver when Thomas (Tuchel) invited me to join him again,” Barry confessed.