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Graham Potter confirms Anthony Barry stance amid Bayern Munich interest.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter has acknowledged that Thomas Tuchel and coach Anthony Barry are discussing a possible reunion at Bayern Munich.
At his first news conference as coach of the Munich team, Tuchel freely confessed his wish to bring Barry to Bavaria. It is believed that this public admission angered Chelsea because, at the time, there had been no contact between the two teams.
Since then, negotiations have taken place, and according to reports, Bayern is close to reaching an agreement with Chelsea on a compensation amount to get Barry out of the remaining terms of his contract and enable him to work with Tuchel once more.
Asked for an update on Friday, Potter admitted talks were underway and backed his staff to step up and replace Barry if a deal is agreed.
“Anthony is in discussions, the clubs are in discussions,” he said. “He’s away from us for the moment.
“It’s between the clubs, it’s not something I get involved in. I have huge respect for what he’s done here. Fantastic coach, fantastic person. We have a great staff that can fill the gap. The collective can solve the problem.”
Potter added: “Of course [we have spoken], I would like the conversation to be private. I understand human beings have lives, have families, have aspirations.”
Earlier in the day, when questioned about Barry, Tuchel expressed his confidence that an agreement would soon be reached to bring the coach, who also serves as Portugal’s assistant coach, to Bayern.
“It’s a matter between the clubs,” the German said. “It’s still my absolute wish for him to come. The clubs have to reach an agreement. But I’m optimistic.”
Bayern may have more discussions with Chelsea this season as the German team is reportedly interested in Kai Havertz.