Aston Villa coach Austin MacPhee plots Portugal World Cup glory
Aston Villa set-piece specialist Austin MacPhee is plotting a path to international glory with Portugal after orchestrating remarkable European success for the Premier League club.
The 46-year-old Scottish coach has become an integral figure in the dugout for both club and country.
His tactical ingenuity was recently highlighted when Youri Tielemans scored a choreographed goal during a crucial European fixture against Freiburg.
Goalkeeper Emi Martinez notably bypassed his outfield team-mates to celebrate directly with the mastermind behind the routine.
Praise from Premier League peers
The former Hearts caretaker manager has earned glowing endorsements from key figures within the Midlands club following a decisive 3-0 victory in Istanbul.
Head coach Unai Emery recently labelled the tactician a fantastic creator.
Club captain John McGinn praised his countryman as a great set-piece coach, while striker Ollie Watkins highlighted his tactical courage.
An unconventional footballing journey
The distinctive coach faced unfair criticism during his time in Scottish domestic football despite his obvious pedigree.
His diverse resume includes guiding Cupar Hearts to the Scottish Amateur Cup final and scouting for Mexico at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The well-travelled tactician also spent a formative year at Danish side Midtjylland, a club widely renowned as a global hotbed for set-piece innovation.
Former Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill previously mounted a passionate defence of his former assistant to combat intense domestic scrutiny.
Austin brings a high level of knowledge on the opposition, a creative way to train and he’s creative in how he brings information to the players.
Michael O’Neill
Targeting international silverware
After instrumental contributions to Northern Ireland’s historic Euro 2016 qualification, the set-piece guru is now applying his craft on the biggest global stage.
The strategist will aim to provide the marginal gains necessary for the star-studded Portuguese squad to conquer their upcoming knockout fixtures.
A highly anticipated World Cup last-16 clash against Spain in Dallas awaits the Iberian nation, where meticulous dead-ball planning could prove decisive.