Hilário terminates contract with Chelsea to join Tuchel in the England national team

The Portuguese coach Henrique Hilário is set to embark on a new chapter in his coaching career by joining Thomas Tuchel’s technical staff with the England national team.

The 48-year-old former goalkeeper has been a prominent figure at Chelsea for over a decade, first as a player and then as a member of the backroom staff. Since 2018, Hilário has served as the club's goalkeeping coach, playing a crucial role in the development of several top-class goalkeepers. However, according to reports from The Athletic, he terminated his contract on Wednesday to reunite with Tuchel in the English national team setup.

Hilário's history with Chelsea is long and significant. He joined the club as a player in 2006 under José Mourinho and remained with the team until his retirement in 2014. Although often serving as a backup goalkeeper, Hilário was regarded as a reliable presence in the squad. After hanging up his gloves, he transitioned to a scouting role before eventually taking on coaching responsibilities. His expertise in goalkeeping has been widely recognized, and his work has contributed to the success of keepers like Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga during his tenure at Stamford Bridge.

This move marks a reunion with Tuchel, whom Hilário worked with during the German manager’s time at Chelsea from 2021 to 2022. Tuchel and Hilário formed a strong professional relationship during their shared tenure, particularly during Chelsea’s triumphant run to the UEFA Champions League title in 2021. Hilário’s attention to detail and ability to connect with players on a personal level made him an integral part of the coaching team, earning him the respect of both players and staff.

Hilário’s addition to the England setup reflects Tuchel’s ambition to build a strong, experienced backroom staff as he takes on the challenge of leading the Three Lions. Tuchel was appointed England's head coach after Gareth Southgate stepped down, and his arrival has already signaled a shift in strategy for the national team. The inclusion of Hilário highlights Tuchel’s focus on specialized coaching, particularly in goalkeeping, a critical area that could prove decisive in international competitions.

Alongside Hilário, Anthony Barry has also joined Tuchel’s England coaching staff. Barry, a former assistant to Roberto Martínez with the Portugal national team, has been a trusted collaborator of Tuchel, having worked with him at Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Known for his tactical acumen, Barry brings a wealth of knowledge to the setup, complementing the experience of Hilário. Together, they form part of a well-rounded team designed to elevate England’s performance on the international stage.

Hilário’s move to the England national team is also significant for its international implications. It underscores the growing trend of Portuguese coaches being sought after in top-tier football for their technical expertise and innovative approaches. Hilário’s reputation as a meticulous and highly skilled goalkeeping coach is expected to have a positive impact on England's goalkeeping options, including players like Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, and Nick Pope. His ability to nurture and improve goalkeepers has been proven, and his presence is likely to enhance England's defensive capabilities ahead of major tournaments like the Euros and the World Cup.

The decision to leave Chelsea, a club that has been a cornerstone of his career, was undoubtedly a difficult one for Hilário. However, the opportunity to work with Tuchel on the international stage represents a new challenge and a chance to expand his coaching horizons. As part of Tuchel’s vision for the England team, Hilário will play a key role in ensuring that the squad is prepared for the unique demands of international football.

For Chelsea, Hilário’s departure marks the end of an era. The club will now need to find a replacement who can continue the high standards he set during his time as goalkeeping coach. His legacy at Stamford Bridge is secure, with his contributions to multiple domestic and international triumphs, including the Champions League, the FA Cup, and the Europa League.

As Hilário joins the England national team, he steps into a spotlight that extends far beyond the Premier League. His expertise will be crucial as Tuchel and his team prepare England for upcoming challenges, with hopes of ending the nation’s long wait for a major international trophy. For Hilário, this move represents not only a reunion with a trusted colleague but also a chance to make an indelible mark on the international football stage.