Chelsea’s secret weapon is coach Anthony Barry, who has tightened up defence and got them scoring goals from set pieces

SPECIALIST coaches are becoming the new normal in football.

In 2018, seeking an edge, Liverpool hired throw in coach Thomas Gronnemark to improve distribution from the sidelines from full backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.

Chelsea first team coach Anthony Barry has transformed the team defensivelyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

And that trend has continued in 2020 in the Premier League with Chelsea reaping the rewards of having a set piece specialist among their coaching ranks.

Anthony Barry, 34, enjoyed somewhat of a journeyman career as a footballer – playing at clubs including Accrington Stanley, Yeovil Town, Chester City and Fleetwood Town.

But, as an up-and-coming coach, he was brought to Stamford Bridge to address the Blues backline that conceded 54 goals in the league last season, including 15 from dead ball situations.

At the time of his appointment, manager Frank Lampard couldn’t hide his delight with securing Barry’s services.

“He’s an exciting young coach and someone I’ve known for a while,” Lampard revealed.

“I believe he will be a strong addition to the team.” Lampard hasn’t been wrong.

This season, Chelsea have not just tightened up at the back – they’ve reversed the trend by scoring in the opposition box for fun whenever they’ve had their own set pieces.

Barry’s hard work on the training pitch at Cobham is clearly working.

Barry was appointed as first team last summer after a stint at WiganCredit: Getty Images – Getty

DEFENSIVE IMPROVEMENT

There’s no doubt the additions of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and experienced Brazilian defender Thiago Silva have given the Blues more steel at the back.

But Barry might just be the best signing Chelsea made this summer.

Lampard and Barry met on a coaching course, when the latter was at Wigan Athletic in 2018.

The former West Ham star was immediately impressed by the Liverpool-born coach’s attention to detail, and earmarked him for a role on Chelsea’s coaching staff.

Chelsea would have had further reason to hire him seeing the development of Reece James, who excelled at Wigan while under the tutorage of Barry and waxed lyrical about his time there.

And they’ve certainly been meaner at the back.

In 11 games, Chelsea have kept five clean sheets and currently boast the second best defensive record in the Premier League, as Barry has got to work on the training pitch.

While they only let in two goals during their entire Champions League group campaign, as they finished above Sevilla.

Chelsea currently have the second best defensive record in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP

Barry works with Cesar Azpilicueta on defensive shape

Barry’s influence was evident when he was seen on the Stamford Bridge touchline barking orders at his defenders when they faced set plays against Rennes.

AN AERIAL THREAT

Standing at 6ft 3in, Kurt Zouma is an intimidating presence in the opposition box.

But he was never as proficient as he has been this season.

The most goals the French defender ever managed in a Premier League campaign was two. This season, he has four – the most recent a towering header against Leeds last week.

According to insiders, Zouma is a Barry favourite – and it’s clear to see the centre half taking note of his coach’s tactical masterplan.

When the delivery is whipped in from either Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell or Hakim Ziyech, Zouma’s positioning has been key to creating mischief in the box.

Of Chelsea’s 25 goals in the Premier League this season, seven have come from set pieces.

Offensively, Chelsea have improved from set pieces under Barry too

Thiago Silva heads home one of two set piece goals Chelsea scored against Sheffield United

Kurt Zouma, scoring here against Leeds, has four goals this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Two were scored against Sheffield United, a team renowned for their defending from corners and free kicks, in a 4-1 win – that showed what a threat the West Londoners now are.

“I’m very happy with the set-piece goals,” Lampard said after that game.

“Today shows how important they are because they make the game comfortable when — even though we’ve played well — it could have been (different).”

With Everton up next for Lampard’s title-chasing side, Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti will be well aware where the threat from Chelsea lies.

But will they be able to defend those set pieces?

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk