Chelsea have reinforced Xabi Alonso’s coaching staff by bringing in renowned set-piece specialist Austin MacPhee, who has joined the club’s pre-season tour in Hong Kong after leaving Aston Villa.
The 46-year-old Scottish coach arrives following the activation of a release clause in his Villa contract, with Chelsea securing his services despite interest from several Premier League clubs and teams in the Saudi Pro League. The transfer fee has not been disclosed.
MacPhee has built a strong reputation as one of football’s leading set-piece coaches. During his time at Aston Villa, he played a key role in making the club one of the most dangerous sides from dead-ball situations. Villa scored more goals from set-pieces than any team across Europe’s top five leagues during the 2023-24 campaign. They maintained that high standard the following season, finishing among the top five across those leagues and ending the Premier League campaign level with Arsenal as the division’s most effective side from set-piece situations.
Alongside his club duties, MacPhee also served with Portugal’s national team for the past five years under head coach Roberto Martinez. That chapter came to an end after Martinez stepped down following Portugal’s World Cup campaign.
His arrival fills an opening in Alonso’s coaching structure. Chelsea’s previous set-piece coach, Bernardo Cueva, who joined from Brentford in 2024 in a deal worth £750,000, is transitioning away from a pitch-side coaching role and will instead focus on behind-the-scenes responsibilities within the club.
MacPhee’s appointment comes during another busy week for Chelsea, who recently completed the £117 million signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. As part of the dealings between the clubs, Alejandro Garnacho has moved in the opposite direction on an initial loan agreement that is widely expected to become a permanent transfer through a purchase option.