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SportsChelsea in talks to hire Aston Villa set-piece coach Austin MacPhee
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Chelsea are in negotiations to hire highly regarded set-piece coach Austin MacPhee from Aston Villa, but face competition from other Premier League and Saudi Pro League clubs. MacPhee, 46, has been instrumental in Villa's set-piece success, scoring more goals from set-pieces than any other team in Europe's top five leagues in 2023-24 and ranking among the top five the following season. He also works with the Portugal national team. Villa would receive compensation due to a release clause in his contract. Chelsea's new manager Xabi Alonso has a vacancy after current set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva moves to a behind-the-scenes role. The news follows Chelsea's £117m signing of Morgan Rogers from Villa, with Alejandro Garnacho moving to Villa on loan.
Source report
Image caption: Villa have flourished at set-pieces under MacPhee's guidance
By Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Chelsea are in talks to sign highly regarded set-piece coach Austin MacPhee from Aston Villa, but face competition from other Premier League clubs as well as Saudi Pro League teams.
Villa would be due compensation for MacPhee, with his contract understood to have a specified release clause.
The Scottish coach, 46, has combined his role at Villa Park with a similar position with the Portugal national team for the past five years under Roberto Martinez, who resigned after the World Cup.
Set-Piece Success
- Villa scored more goals from set-pieces than any other team in Europe's top five leagues during the 2023-24 season.
- They followed that by ranking among the top five a season later.
- They finished joint-top with Arsenal in the Premier League last season.
MacPhee would be one of a number of staff members to leave Villa Park this summer after helping the club win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League under manager Unai Emery.
Chelsea's Backroom Changes
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has space in his current backroom staff. Previous set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva, who joined from Brentford for £750,000 in 2024, is moving away from a touchline role and into a more behind-the-scenes position.
Recent Transfer Activity
Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for £117m this week, with Alejandro Garnacho moving in the other direction on an initial loan that will likely become permanent through an option to buy.
Related Topics
- Football
- Premier League
- Chelsea
- Aston Villa
Source
BBC SportWestern
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Chelsea in talks for Aston Villa set-piece guru Austin MacPhee