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A decade ago, the England assistant coach was playing in League Two. Currently, he is focused on helping the head coach claim the World Cup trophy next summer. His journey from athlete to trainer began through volunteering for Accrington's Under-16s. He recalls, “It was in the evenings, third of a pitch, asked to do 11 v 11 … flat balls, not enough bibs,” and it captivated him. He had found his destiny.

Rapid Rise

His advancement stands out. Beginning in a senior role at Wigan, he built a reputation for innovative drills and excellent people skills. His club career led him to elite sides, while also serving in coaching jobs abroad with the Republic of Ireland, Belgium, and Portugal. His players include legends including top footballers. Today, as part of Team England, he's fully immersed, the “pinnacle” according to him.

“Dreams are the starting point … But I’m a believer that passion overcomes challenges. You dream big then you break it down: ‘How do we do it, each day, each phase?’ We aim for World Cup victory. But dreams won’t get it done. It's essential to develop a methodical process enabling us to have the best chance.”

Focus on Minutiae

Dedication, especially with the smallest details, defines Barry’s story. Toiling around the clock day and night, he and Tuchel test boundaries. The approach include psychological profiling, a strategy for high temperatures ahead of the tournament in North America, and fostering teamwork. He stresses the national team spirit and avoids language including "pause".

“It's not time off or a pause,” Barry says. “We had to build something that attracts the squad and, secondly, they feel so stretched that returning to club duty feels easier.”

Driven Leaders

Barry describes himself and Tuchel as “very greedy”. “We aim to control each element of play,” Barry affirms. “We want to conquer the entire field and that’s what we spend most of our time to. Our responsibility not only to stay ahead of changes but to surpass them and set new standards. It’s a constant process focused on finding solutions. And to clarify complicated matters.

“We get 50 days with the players ahead of the tournament. We have to play an intricate approach that gives us a tactical advantage and explain it thoroughly during that time. It's about moving it from idea to information to understanding to action.

“To build a methodology that allows us to be productive during the limited time, we have to use the whole 500 we’ll have had since we took the job. When the squad is away, we have to build relationships among them. We have to spend time communicating regularly, observing them live, understand them, connect with them. If we limit ourselves to that time, it's impossible.”

Final Qualifiers

He is getting ready for the final pair of World Cup qualifiers – against Serbia at Wembley and away to Albania. The team has secured their place at the finals after six consecutive victories and six clean sheets. But there will be no easing off; instead. This is the time to reinforce the team’s identity, for further momentum.

“Thomas and I are both pretty clear that the style of play ought to embody the best aspects from the top division,” Barry explains. “The fitness, the flexibility, the strength, the honesty. The Three Lions kit needs to be highly competitive but comfortable to have on. It should feel like a cape instead of heavy armour.

“To ensure it's effortless, we have to give them an approach that enables them to operate like they do every week, that resonates with them and encourages attacking play. They must be stuck less in thinking and more in doing.

“There are emotional wins you can get as a coach in the first and final thirds – playing out from the back, attacking high up. However, in midfield of the pitch, those 24 metres, we believe play has stagnated, especially in England's top flight. Coaches have extensive data now. They understand tactics – mid-blocks, deep blocks. Our aim is to speed up play through midfield.”

Thirst for Improvement

Barry’s hunger to get better is all-consuming. While training for the top coaching badge, he had concerns over the speaking requirement, as his cohort included stars like Lampard and Carrick. To enhance his abilities, he sought out difficult settings imaginable to improve his talks. Such as Walton jail in Liverpool, where he coached prisoners for a training session.

He completed the course as the best in his year, and his dissertation – about dead-ball situations, in which he examined numerous set-plays – became a published work. Lampard included won over and he recruited the coach to his team at Stamford Bridge. When Frank was fired, it was telling that Chelsea removed most of his staff while keeping Barry.

His replacement with the club was Tuchel, and, four months later, they claimed the Champions League. When Tuchel was dismissed, Barry remained under Graham Potter. Once Tuchel resurfaced at Munich, he got Barry out away from London to rejoin him. The Football Association view them as a partnership similar to Southgate and Holland.

“I’ve never seen anything like Thomas {in terms of personality and methodology|in character and approach|