IRELAND AND Chelsea coach Anthony Barry has left his role with Ireland to join Belgium. Barry's departure will be a huge blow to Stephen's Kenny's side.
The move to the Belgium national team will see Barry face his old international side Ireland when the sides play in a centenary friendly game next March at the Aviva Stadium.
Barry has been Stephen Kenny's assistant manager since February 2021 and is seen as a set piece expert in footballing circles. He replaced Damien Duff in the backroom team last year, but now will take up a part-time role to join Roberto Martinez's World Cup-bound Red Devils.
Luxembourg , Luxembourg - 14 November 2021; Republic of Ireland coaches, from right, Keith Andrews, Anthony Barry(Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)The Football Association of Ireland [FAI] confirmed the news in a statement this morning.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the team and really enjoyed working with Stephen and the entire backroom staff and players,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate to work with some outstanding managers in my career and Stephen certainly falls into that bracket.
“The opportunity to move on to Belgium and to have the chance to take part in the World Cup finals was one I felt I couldn’t turn down. Of course, I wish all of the team the very best of luck for the future.”
“I’d like to thank Anthony for the positive contribution he has made over the past year with the players and staff alike,” Ireland manager Kenny added, as the move forced him into another backroom team reshuffle.
“Anthony had a great rapport with the staff and players, he was thought-provoking, an exceptional coach and a joy to work with. We respect his decision and he leaves with our best wishes.”
It had been reported earlier this week that Barry may have linked up with Frank Lampard at Everton, but he stayed out with the Blues.
Ireland's old foe Thierry Henry is also on the coaching staff.
Barry will continue on the staff of Premier League side Chelsea despite speculation linking to Everton because of the Frank Lampard connection.
Anthony Barry departs Ireland coaching role
"He was thought-provoking, an exceptional coach and a joy to work with. We respect his decision and he leaves with our best wishes..."
➡️ https://t.co/vXFUExWvNJ#COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #WeAre100 pic.twitter.com/QRLLQSCeK7— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) February 4, 2022
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