Chelsea face interest from Bayern Munich for in-demand coach

Chelsea may delay coach Anthony Barry’s potential move to Bayern Munich due to the possibility of the two teams meeting in the Champions League semi-final, according to Brighton manager Graham Potter. Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel publicly expressed interest in hiring the young coach, with whom he worked during his time at Stamford Bridge, earlier this week. However, Chelsea have been disappointed in Tuchel’s decision to publicize the pursuit. Barry has held sought-after positions since leaving Wigan to join Chelsea in 2020, serving as an assistant to Roberto Martinez during the team’s World Cup campaign and subsequently following him to the Portugal job.

Potter said that discussions between the clubs are ongoing and that Chelsea are unlikely to stop Barry from transferring if he chooses to do so. However, the possibility of the teams meeting in the Champions League could make the transition more difficult. Chelsea would be hesitant to allow a member of their first-team coaching staff to take inside knowledge of the team to a possible opponent.

Potter praised Barry, calling him a “fantastic coach” and “fantastic person,” and added that he respects his aspirations to join Bayern Munich. Potter also discussed the availability of several Chelsea players and praised the attitude of midfielder Mason Mount amidst ongoing speculation that he will leave the club this summer.

Kante is “likely” to play some role in Saturday’s game against Aston Villa, having been unavailable for Potter’s tenure thus far due to injury. Potentially available players Kai Havertz and Reece James left their national team camps early, and Mount is expected to be fit enough to be named on the bench. Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling will miss the Villa game after missing England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.



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