'He’s just a top coach': Thomas Tuchel backs Anthony Barry to keep making frank assessments

Thomas Tuchel wants Anthony Barry to keep providing frank half-time assessments throughout the World Cup. Pic: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile.

Thomas Tuchel wants inspirational England assistant Anthony Barry to keep providing frank half-time assessments throughout the World Cup.

Onlookers had barely caught their breath following a rollercoaster opening 45 minutes against Croatia when the 40-year-old gave an eye-catching interview that forms part of expanded media requirements.

Barry spoke in surprising detail about England’s “complicated and confusing” performance in Dallas, where Tuchel’s side eventually kicked on and secured a 4-2 victory in the Group L opener.

Tuchel has not seen the interview but heard a lot about it and wants Barry to keep doing them, partly because it removes duties from him but mainly as it allows his assistant’s qualities to shine.

“Everyone is speaking about this,” the England boss said with a smile ahead of Tuesday’s match against Ghana.

“I’m so happy if he speaks. And you see the quality. The guy is a top coach.

“And he is an inspiration, and he pushes me, and helps me and supports me. It’s just top level.”

Asked if he liked Barry’s interview, Tuchel said: “I haven’t heard it. But I hear a lot of people speaking, so he gets a lot of banter for it.

“I can imagine it makes sense what he said, and he spoke hopefully from his heart and from his knowledge because he’s just a top coach.”