Austin MacPhee joins Chelsea from Aston Villa as set-piece coach
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 3, 2026, 1:35 PM
Last updated Aug 3, 2026
Austin MacPhee has joined Chelsea's pre-season tour in Hong Kong after his transfer from Aston Villa, reportedly for an undisclosed fee. The 46-year-old Scottish coach has a strong reputation, having previously worked with Aston Villa and the Portugal national team. His appointment comes as part of Chelsea's coaching restructuring under new manager Xabi Alonso, who has recently altered his backroom staff. MacPhee has been recognized for significantly improving set-piece scoring during his time at Aston Villa, where they recorded 25 set-piece goals last season, ranking second among Europe’s top leagues. Chelsea's focus will be on improving set-piece effectiveness in the upcoming season under Alonso.
- •Austin MacPhee joins Chelsea after leaving Aston Villa.
- •Chelsea is currently in pre-season training in Hong Kong.
- •MacPhee has previously worked with the Portugal national team.
- •He is replacing Bernardo Cueva, who is moving into a different role.
- •Aston Villa had strong set-piece performance under MacPhee last season.
- 1:35 PMYahoo Sports — Chelsea poach set-piece guru MacPhee from Aston Villa
- 12:58 PMYahoo Sports — Set-piece coach joins Chelsea from Aston Villa - send your thoughts
"Highly rated set-piece coach Austin MacPhee has joined Chelsea's pre-season tour in Hong Kong after moving from Aston Villa. The Scottish coach, 46, joins for an undisclosed release-clause fee in his contract amid competition from other Premier League and Saudi Pro League teams. MacPhee has also been working with the Portugal national team for the past five years under Roberto Martinez, who resigned after the World Cup.
"Chelsea have secured the services of set-piece coach Austin MacPhee, who will link up with Xabi Alonso and his staff in Asia.MacPhee has arrived from Aston Villa and will join the club’s pre-season ...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 3, 2026, 1:35 PMChelsea poach set-piece guru MacPhee from Aston Villa
Chelsea have secured the services of set-piece coach Austin MacPhee, who will link up with Xabi Alonso and his staff in Asia.MacPhee has arrived from Aston Villa and will join the club’s pre-season ...
- Yahoo SportsAug 3, 2026, 12:58 PMSet-piece coach joins Chelsea from Aston Villa - send your thoughts
Highly rated set-piece coach Austin MacPhee has joined Chelsea's pre-season tour in Hong Kong after moving from Aston Villa. The Scottish coach, 46, joins for an undisclosed release-clause fee in his contract amid competition from other Premier League and Saudi Pro League teams. MacPhee has also been working with the Portugal national team for the past five years under Roberto Martinez, who resigned after the World Cup.
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