Chelsea in talks to sign Aston Villa's set-piece coach Austin MacPhee

Chelsea have opened negotiations to appoint Austin MacPhee, Aston Villa's highly regarded set-piece coach, as part of their backroom staff. The 45-year-old is widely considered one of the Premier League's finest dead-ball specialists.

However, the Blues face stiff competition. Several Premier League rivals and clubs from the Saudi Pro League have also expressed interest in securing MacPhee's services. The race for his signature is far from over.

MacPhee's tactical impact at Villa

Since joining Villa in 2021, MacPhee has transformed their set-piece output. Under his guidance, Villa have become one of the most dangerous sides from corners and free-kicks. Last season, they scored 18 goals from set pieces, the second-highest in the division.

His drills are known for their variety — short corners, near-post flicks, and delayed runs that unsettle defences. Villa's attacking metrics from dead balls improved by over 40% in his first year. Defensively, they also conceded fewer goals from set plays.

MacPhee works closely with head coach Unai Emery, who values set-piece organisation as a core component of his tactical setup. Emery's Villarreal side notably knocked out Juventus and Bayern Munich in the Champions League partly through set-piece precision.

Why Chelsea need a set-piece revamp

Chelsea's set-piece performance has been inconsistent. In the 2023-24 season, they ranked 12th in the Premier League for goals scored from set pieces, with only 9. Their conversion rate on corners was below the league average. Defensively, they shipped 11 goals from dead-ball situations.

Appointing MacPhee would address a clear weakness. Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's new manager, emphasises structured attacking patterns. Integrate MacPhee's methods could elevate Chelsea's threat from corners and free-kicks, providing an additional dimension to their play.

  • Improved threat from corners: Chelsea averaged 5.2 corners per game last season but scored only once every 47 corners.
  • Defensive organisation: MacPhee's zonal marking system at Villa reduced goals conceded from set pieces by 30%.
  • Versatility: His routines work for both attacking and defensive scenarios, making Chelsea more balanced.

Competition for his signature

Chelsea are not alone in their pursuit. Other Premier League clubs have reportedly made inquiries, aware of MacPhee's reputation. The Saudi Pro League's financial allure also poses a threat; several clubs there are investing heavily in coaching talent to raise the league's profile.

For MacPhee, a move would likely involve a significant pay rise. Villa are keen to keep him, but his contract situation is not publicly known. Chelsea's offer would need to be compelling both financially and in terms of role.

What this means for Fantasy Premier League managers

FPL managers should note the potential impact. If MacPhee joins Chelsea, players like Reece James (set-piece taker), Nicolas Jackson (aerial threat), and Levi Colwill (tall defender) could see increased returns. James is the primary corner and free-kick taker when fit, and improved routines could boost his assist potential.

Chelsea's defenders also benefit — set-piece goals are a key source of points for centre-backs. Colwill, at 4.5m, and new signing Tosin Adarabioyo could become more attractive if Chelsea's dead-ball efficiency rises.

Looking ahead

Chelsea's interest in MacPhee reflects a broader trend: elite clubs recognising set-piece coaching as a competitive edge. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City all have dedicated set-piece coaches. For Chelsea, adding MacPhee would bring them level with those rivals in this department.

The next few weeks will determine his destination. If Chelsea succeed, they gain a tactical weapon that could be worth several extra points in the league table. If they fail, one of their rivals may strengthen instead.

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