Incoming Swans boss to add former assistant coach to back-room staff.
Swansea City boss Bob Bradley has begun adding to his backroom staff after taking over at The Liberty Stadium last week, following the dismissal of Francesco Guidolin.
BBC Sport reports that the Swans’ new boss is set to bring in his former assistant coach at Le Havre, Pierre Barrieu.
The two have worked together in France for the Ligue 2 outfit since November 2015 and also in the past for the US National team.
Barrieu, 44, is a French-born fitness coach and registered FIFA instructor.
The Frenchman has also worked as number two for the United Arab Emirates and Head Fitness Coach in 2012.
For the United States, Barrieu was assigned to the U-18 side for the US Soccer Federation. He went on to coach the USA during the 2002 World Cup in Japan/South Korea.
Swansea City manager Bob Bradley during the press conference
That same side went on to reach the quarter-finals, only to be knocked out by finalists Germany. The squad’s superior fitness during the tournament has been in large part credited to Barrieu’s contribution.
It was only in his second spell with the US men’s team that both he and Bradley linked up – with Frenchman his deputy.
Bob Bradley led the US to finishing in runners-up spot during the 2009 Confederations Cup
Duirng this period, Bradley led the US into runners-up spot during the 2009 Confederations Cup.
In total, Barrieu took his place on the bench as assistant coach 136 times for the United States national side.
The number two has experience in English football before, as Performance Manager for Sheffield Wednesday in the build up to the 2014/15 campaign, under then manager Stuart Gray.
Current first team coach Alan Curtis – who has been associated with the club since 1970 – is expected to stay on after the departure of trio Diego Bortoluzzi, Gabrielle Ambrosetti and Claudio Bordon left in the wake of Guidolin’s departure.
The Swans travel to North London to face Arsenal on Saturday.
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