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Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has spoken about the club's decision to bring in highly rated set-piece coach Austin MacPhee from Aston Villa. The Spaniard feels adding specialist experts is crucial if the Blues are to close the gap at the top of the Premier League.

Alonso targets elite improvements with MacPhee

Chelsea have underlined their ambition to control every aspect of the game by appointing MacPhee, a step Alonso sees as important for the club's progress. The Blues agreed a compensation fee with Aston Villa for the Scottish specialist, who built a strong reputation for turning Unai Emery's side into a major threat from set-pieces.

Since joining the Stamford Bridge set-up in late July, MacPhee has quickly started putting his tactical ideas into practice during an intense pre-season programme. Speaking about the appointment to the Men In Blazers Network, Alonso said: "We want to have the best possible specialists in their departments, For sure, Austin has experience in the Premier League."

He added: "For the staff, for us, it is going to be challenging to learn quick and adapt to the Premier League as well. So to have Austin around, Ben (Roberts), other people that were here last year with these fresh experiences from the Premier League and knowing what it takes to win games and to prepare for each game - it helps a lot."

Building a Premier League-ready staff

MacPhee's arrival is about more than just routines from corners; it is also about giving Alonso a base of domestic knowledge as he goes through his first season in the English top flight. By keeping figures such as Ben Roberts and adding MacPhee's know-how, Chelsea have put together a mix of continental style and Premier League practicality.

This collective method is meant to reduce the learning curve for Alonso's main coaching group. The manager stressed how important it is to have people in the room who understand the specific demands of the division, so that the team can be prepared in detail for every tactical situation they may face across the demanding 38-game season. "We are happy that Austin is now with us." Alonso said.

Reviving the best of Cole Palmer

While changes are being made to the coaching set-up, Alonso is also concentrating on getting the best again from his key players on the pitch, especially Cole Palmer. The England international saw his form dip at times last season because of fitness issues, but his manager believes a tactical and physical reset can help him get back to his most dangerous level.

Speaking about the plan for the 24-year-old, Alonso told the Daily Mail : "The first step must be entirely physical, as the player has to feel fully recovered and be 100% ready in order to be able to give his utmost on the pitch. Once he reaches this readiness and high fitness, the role of self-confidence comes; he needs to feel the effectiveness of the system, to enjoy his style of play, and to grasp his tactical responsibilities."

Looking ahead to the Fulham opener

The build-up reaches its key point on Monday when Chelsea travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham in their Premier League opener. It will be the first competitive examination for Alonso's reshaped side and his specialist-heavy coaching staff.

With an expert manager and a backroom team strengthened by specialists such as MacPhee, Chelsea head into the new season with a clear and clinical sense of purpose. After the Fulham match, the Blues face a quick turnaround with a League Cup tie against Luton Town, followed by a league meeting with Brighton.