There’s a certain irony in a set piece specialist quietly exiting the spotlight. Bernardo Cueva, the coach widely credited with transforming Chelsea’s dead ball situations from forgettable to genuinely threatening, is stepping away from on-pitch coaching duties as Xabi Alonso prepares to take the reins at Stamford Bridge.
Cueva will remain at the club, but in an analytical and support capacity rather than as an active on-field coach.
From Brentford to Stamford Bridge, and now the shadows
Cueva joined Chelsea at the start of the 2024-25 season, arriving from Brentford where set piece coaching had become something of a competitive weapon for the west London club under Thomas Frank’s tenure.
His contribution is attached to two pieces of silverware. Chelsea claimed the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League title, and then followed it up by winning the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
