New Bayern chief Tuchel ‘optimistic’ of luring key man from old club Chelsea

CHELSEA hope to delay coach Anthony Barry joining old boss Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.

Tuchel is “optimistic” a deal will be made but Chelsea don’t want Barry at Bayern if the two clubs meet in the Champions League semi-finals.

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Stamford Bridge manager Graham Potter confirmed Barry is off work as talks continue.

And Tuchel is keen to land the Englishman soon, with the pair having guided Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021.

The German said: “It’s a matter between the clubs. It’s still my absolute wish for him to come.

“The clubs have to reach an agreement. But I’m optimistic.”

But it’s thought the possibility of the two sides meeting in Europe this season remains a stumbling block.

Barry, 36, would of course have inside knowledge on the Blues.

Chelsea face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals in mid-April and Bayern take on Manchester City – with the winners meeting in the last four.

Potter said: “It’s club to club, it’s not for me but I am pretty sure it is in the conversation for obvious reasons. 

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“He is not with us at the moment and I think that’s best it gets resolved… it is between the two clubs. I am not involved in it.”

But Potter stressed: “I have huge respect for Anthony. 

He is a fantastic coach and person but these things happen in life and football.”