Chelsea hires Austin MacPhee as set-piece coach under Xabi Alonso
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 11:07 AM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026
Chelsea's new manager Xabi Alonso has appointed Austin MacPhee as their set-piece coach after reaching an agreement with Aston Villa. MacPhee, who previously contributed to Villa's positive set-piece performance, joined Chelsea at the end of July. Alonso emphasized the importance of having the best specialists in their roles to enhance the team's preparation and success in the Premier League. Chelsea will begin their Premier League campaign against Fulham on Monday next week.
- •Xabi Alonso emphasizes quality specialists for Chelsea's coaching staff.
- •Austin MacPhee joins Chelsea after successful tenure with Aston Villa.
- •MacPhee's role focuses on enhancing set-piece tactics.
- •Chelsea's Premier League season opener is against Fulham next week.
- 11:07 AMYahoo Sports — 'We want the best specialists' - Alonso on MacPhee
"New manager Xabi Alonso says Chelsea want the "best possible specialists" after hiring set-piece coach Austin MacPhee from Aston Villa.
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