Chelsea set-piece coach set for move behind the scenes as Xabi Alonso finalises his backroom staff - with ex-Bayer Leverkusen expert poised to join the Spaniard's team

Bernardo Cueva, who has served as

Chelsea

’s set-piece specialist for the last two seasons, is changing roles to one more behind the scenes and away from the pitch.

The Mexican, 38, had been in charge of set-plays since 2024 when the

Premier League

club hired him out of

Brentford

, reportedly at a compensatory cost worth around £1million.

Now, Daily Mail Sport can reveal Cueva will be taking on a different position under Chelsea’s owners BlueCo in a more technical and advisory capacity.

Among his responsibilities, he will carry a particular focus on set-piece analysis, opposition preparation, and performance insights.

Usually a constant presence on the pitch, Cueva has not been spotted in Chelsea's training sessions since pre-season started under

Xabi Alonso

on Thursday, July 9.

Chelsea sources have stressed this change should not be seen as a demotion and that Cueva will continue to play a highly crucial role within their football operation.

Bernardo Cueva (right) is set to take up a role in a technical and advisory capacity at Chelsea

Chelsea have not yet announced Alonso’s backroom staff in full, though among his assistants will be Sebastian Parrilla, who arrives with a reputation for improving set-piece output, both defensively and offensively. Under Alonso, Parrilla was credited with boosting Bayer Leverkusen’s numbers when they worked together at the Bundesliga club.

Cueva worked with Chelsea in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons under Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior and then alongside interim head coach Calum McFarlane.

He was a regular feature in their dugout and, as well as overseeing set-pieces, usually took on the role of speaking with the fourth official about issues during games.

Chelsea previously identified Cueva as a prime candidate for a role which had been vacant since Anthony Barry exited for Bayern Munich. Cueva, who also holds a UEFA Pro Licence through the Football Association, was regarded as an impressive hire.

Before joining Brentford in 2020, and helping them secure promotion to the Premier League, Cueva was at Chivas in his homeland of Mexico. He has also had a role with Norway men's national team.