Chelsea’s fitness coach Anthony Barry ‘tells club he wants to join Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich’

Chelsea coach Anthony Barry has reportedly told the club that he wants to join Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich in a blow to the Premier League side.

Tuchel confirmed during his unveiling as the new manager of Bayern that he would like to bring Barry with him to the German club.

The German coach was appointed as Bayern’s new manager on Friday after their shock dismissal of Julian Nagelsmann.

BILD have now reported that Barry has informed the Blues that he wants to follow Tuchel to Germany.

The clubs are holding discussions over a compensation payment ahead of a potential deal, according to the German newspaper.

Thomas Tuchel (left) was keen to add Barry (centre) to his backroom staff at Bayern Munich

Barry was brought to the club under Frank Lampard, having previously worked as the assistant manager to Paul Cook at Wigan and enjoyed a playing career with clubs such as Yeovil and Accrington Stanley.

After Lampard’s departure, the 36-year-old stayed at the club and worked under Tuchel as Chelsea won the Champions League in 2021. 

He then remained at Stamford Bridge as part of Graham Potter’s staff following the German’s sacking.

Barry also has international experience having worked with the Republic of Ireland before teaming-up with Roberto Martinez in part-time role firstly with Belgium, and now part of Portugal’s coaching set-up.

Tuchel is understood to rate Barry extremely highly and would like to work with the coach once again.

Initially reported by The Telegraph, Tuchel confirmed that he wished to bring Barry on board, in addition to Arno Michels and Zsolt Low, who he has worked with for a decade.

‘My coaching staff wasn’t prepared either, so a big thank you to their families for their flexibility,’ he said.

‘Arno Michels and Zsolt Low, who have been working with me for over 10 years, will be there. We’re hoping to add Anthony Barry, who is currently at Chelsea.’ 

Tuchel was appointed as Bayern Munich manager after Julian Nagelsmann’s shock dismissal

Barry currently combines his role with working as part of Portugal’s back-room staff

His declaration is said to have irked Chelsea who feel the dealings should be held behind closed doors.

Bayern relieved Nagelsmann of his services having been unconvinced by the former RB Leipzig boss. With CEO Oliver Kahn admitting the club were forced to act after watching ‘big fluctuations in our performances’.

The German giants currently trail Borussia Dortmund by a point at the top of the Bundesliga and Tuchel will come face-to-face with his former his first game in charge.

Tuchel could also face a return to Stamford Bridge in the Champions League if his troops get past Manchester City and the Blues overcome Real Madrid in their quarter-final clashes.