Chelsea reportedly paid an eye-watering £750,000 to bring set-piece coach; Bernardo Cueva from Brentford to Stamford Bridge, with Liverpool and Wolves recruiting for this role for the first time this summer. But why are Premier League teams willing to pay so much for a set play specialist and what exactly does the role entail?
In the high-stakes world of Premier League football, where the margins between victory and defeat are often razor-thin, clubs are constantly seeking new ways to gain an advantage. One of the latest trends in this relentless quest for improvement is the rise of the set play coach. These specialist coaches focus solely on maximizing a team's performance during set play moments such as; corners, free kicks, throw-ins and even kick offs. This article delves into the role of set play coaches, their impact on the game, and notable figures in this emerging field.
The Importance of Set Pieces
Set pieces have long been a critical aspect of football. They offer structured opportunities to score and can be the difference-maker in tight matches. According to recent statistics, 21% of goals in the Premier League have come from set pieces and this doesn’t account for penalties. This trend is also consistent across Europe’s other top leagues. However, the specialized coaching of set pieces is a relatively new development, reflecting the sport's increasing reliance on data and detailed tactical planning.
The Role of a Set Play Coach
A set play coach is dedicated to analyzing and improving a team's effectiveness in both attacking and defending set pieces. Their responsibilities include:
Opposition analysis: Analyzing opponents' set piece strategies and routines and
their subsequent strengths and weaknesses.
Designing routines: Creating innovative set piece strategies and routines tailored
to the team's strengths and adjusted depending on the opposition.
Practice design and delivery: Designing and delivering coaching practices to achieve
the teams desired outcomes from set plays.
In-game adjustments: Making in-game tactical changes regarding set plays.
Post match review: Conducting in-depth post-match analysis of the team’s
performance from set plays.
Set play coaches also work closely with the head coach, analysts and players, integrating set piece strategies into the broader tactical framework of the team. Set play analysts are also now becoming more common, focusing solely on the analysis of set plays to support the coaching team.
Impact on the Game
The introduction of set play coaches has led to noticeable improvements in the effectiveness of set pieces. Teams that have embraced this specialization have seen an increase in goals scored from set pieces and a corresponding improvement in their defensive record. For instance, Arsenal’s output from set plays has drastically increased since hiring Nicolas Jover and Liverpool’s effectiveness from throw-ins improved considerably following the introduction of specialist throw-in coach; Thomas Gronnemark.
There are currently 8 teams in the Premier League who will almost certainly have set play coaches in place for the start of the 2024-25 Premier League season. Three of last season's top four teams had set play coaches in place, and Liverpool have since advertised to hire a set play coach to work under Arne Slot.
Notable Set Play Coaches
Nicolas Jover (Arsenal): Jover joined Arsenal from Manchester City, where he was part of Pep Guardiola's backroom staff. His analytical approach and attention to detail has made Arsenal a formidable force from set plays. Find out more about How Arsenal's Effectiveness From Set Plays Helped Them Become Title Contenders
Austin MacPhee (Aston Villa): MacPhee had previously worked as an assistant coach for multiple clubs, as well as some international federations. However, he joined Aston Villa in 2021 as a set play specialist and has continued in this role under Dean Smith, Steven Gerrard and Unai Emery.
Bernardo Cueva (Chelsea): Cueva has an analytical background and held the role of Head of Sports Intelligence for Chivas in his native Mexico. He then joined Brentford as a First Team Coach. Cueva later moved into a set play specialist role at Brentford, where his work was so impressive that Chelsea headhunted him to improve the club’s poor set play record.
The Future of Set Play Coaching
As football continues to evolve, the role of the set play coach is likely to become even more prominent. The success of teams that have invested in this specialization has demonstrated its value, prompting more clubs to follow suit. Future advancements in technology and data analysis will only enhance the ability of set play coaches to devise and implement more sophisticated strategies.
Moreover, as the game grows more competitive, the fine margins provided by effective set piece routines could be crucial in deciding league titles, cup victories, and relegation battles. The set play coach, once a luxury, is becoming an essential part of the modern football coaching staff.
Conclusion
The emergence of set play coaches and even analysts in the Premier League reflects the ever-increasing sophistication of football. By focusing on the often-overlooked aspects of the game, these specialists provide their teams with a valuable edge over competitors. As their impact continues to grow, so too will the emphasis on set pieces, ensuring that this tactical innovation becomes a permanent fixture in the beautiful game's future.
Article by Billy Coulston, site founder and former first team analyst with Newcastle United.
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