Former Aston Villa scout Bryan King has dismissed the potential impact of the Austin MacPhee Chelsea move despite the coach’s exceptional set-piece record at Villa Park.
MacPhee is expected to leave Unai Emery’s staff and join Chelsea ahead of the new season. The 46-year-old has already said goodbye to Villa’s players and staff after five years at the club.
However, King does not believe his departure will have a damaging effect on Emery’s side.
“I’ve got no time for him at all,” King told Football Insider.
“Set-piece coach. Have a laugh, will you? That’s what’s wrong with football.”
Austin MacPhee Chelsea move divides opinion
King argued that set pieces primarily depend on the quality of delivery and players capable of winning headers inside the penalty area.
His comments are likely to divide supporters because Villa’s dead-ball record under MacPhee has been outstanding. Emery’s side scored 29 set-piece goals last season, matching Arsenal’s total.
MacPhee joined Villa in 2021 and remained part of the coaching staff under Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard and Emery. His detailed routines helped Villa become one of Europe’s most productive teams from corners and free-kicks.
ReadAstonVilla previously examined how MacPhee’s set-piece work influenced both Villa and Portugal.
Villa must now decide whether to recruit another specialist or divide those responsibilities across Emery’s existing staff.
The club have already lost Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans during a significant summer rebuild. MacPhee’s departure represents another change, although its impact will only become clear once competitive football begins.
King may consider specialist coaching unnecessary, but Villa’s numbers provide a strong argument for replacing MacPhee’s expertise.
