Seamus Coleman showed a touch of real class when he congratulated Anthony Barry for his Champions League triumph with Chelsea.
Posted on the official Republic of Ireland national team’s Twitter, Coleman was captured leading the praise for Barry’s recent domestic achievements.
The 35-year-old became part of Ireland’s coaching staff in February, to go alongside his first team role with Chelsea.
Barry was added by Frank Lampard last summer and remained in place following Thomas Tuchel’s arrival.
He has been part of the journey that saw the Blues move from ninth to fourth in the Premier League, plus being crowned champions of Europe.
Coleman congrats
Coleman, who is captain of Everton and Ireland, hoped he and his national teammates could use Barry’s success at club level as inspiration for their international targets.
“Going into Chelsea and you know, I think it’s a lesson to us all if we’re committed and we put everything into our job, into our application, we can be successful,” said the experienced defender.
“So, on behalf of all the lads, massive congratulations, Anto.”
Barry the Blue
Ireland have a couple of friendlies coming up that Barry will be involved with before he embarks on another pre-season at Chelsea.
There were reports earlier this year linking the former midfielder to the vacant Fleetwood Town job.
Simon Grayson eventually took the position and Barry remained a Blue, despite Lampard’s departure and Tuchel’s arrival.
As it turned out, the German manager became a big fan of Barry and praised him heavily during a press conference.
Tuchel said: “He is a top coach. We didn’t know him before. He was already here under Frank.
“He is a fantastic guy, with a fantastic character. Very open, very friendly and he has top quality in analysing games. He is very experienced.”
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