Aston Villa have confirmed a small reshuffle behind the scenes, with two trusted members of Unai Emery’s coaching staff leaving the club following a historic and hugely successful campaign.
Assistant coach Pako Ayestaran and Individual Performance Coach Antonio Rodriguez Saravia will both depart Villa Park after working alongside Emery since his arrival in October 2022.
The changes come after Villa enjoyed one of the greatest seasons in their modern history, finishing fourth in the Premier League and ending a 30-year wait for major silverware by lifting the Europa League.
In a statement, Aston Villa thanked both coaches for their contribution, saying: “Both Pako and Rodri will always remain hugely popular at Aston Villa and everyone at the club would like to thank them for their service as well as wishing them all the very best for the future.”
The club have already acted quickly to strengthen Emery’s backroom team by appointing Jose Maria Sanz as a new assistant coach, subject to visa approval. Sanz brings more than two decades of coaching experience, having previously worked with Valencia, Osasuna and Sheffield United.
Ayestaran arrived at Villa with an outstanding coaching reputation. He famously served as Rafael Benitez’s assistant during Liverpool’s unforgettable 2005 Champions League triumph before later reuniting with Emery after the pair had previously worked together at Valencia. Their reunion at Villa proved highly successful as they helped transform the club into one of England’s strongest sides.
Villa now turn their attention to another demanding campaign, with Champions League football returning to Villa Park for the second time in three seasons. Emery guided the club to the quarter-finals during their previous appearance and will be aiming for another deep European run.
Off the field, the club remain equally ambitious. Villa are determined to keep hold of their biggest stars, with reports suggesting Morgan Rogers has been valued at around £130 million amid interest from Arsenal.
Meanwhile, redevelopment work continues on the North Stand at Villa Park, reducing capacity next season before eventually increasing it beyond 50,000 seats. The project reflects the club’s long-term ambitions as Aston Villa continue building for sustained success under Emery despite these latest coaching changes behind the scenes.
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