Aston Villa have confirmed that Pako Ayestaran, Unai Emery's long-time assistant coach, and Antonio Rodriguez Saravia, an Individual Performance Coach, will depart the club as part of a small number of personnel changes.
Key departures announced
The club made the announcement on Thursday, confirming that both Ayestaran and Saravia will leave after being part of Emery's staff since his appointment in 2022. Villa enjoyed their best season in decades last term, finishing fourth in the Premier League and winning the Europa League – their first trophy in 30 years. Emery has been central to that success but will now be without two of his closest lieutenants.
In a club statement, Villa said: "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."
Replacement appointed
Villa have already moved to fill the voids, with Jose Maria Sanz set to join as an assistant coach, subject to visa approval. Sanz brings over 20 years of experience, having worked with Valencia and Osasuna, and also has experience in England from his time on the staff at Sheffield United.
Ayestaran previously served as assistant to Rafa Benitez at Liverpool and was part of the iconic 2005 Champions League success. He worked with Emery at Valencia before the pair went their separate ways for a decade, reuniting at Villa and enjoying considerable success.
Club building on success
Villa are seeking to build on last season's achievements and will get a second crack at the Champions League, having reached the last eight in the 2024-25 campaign under Emery. The club is also determined to protect its major assets, reportedly slapping a £130 million price tag on Morgan Rogers to warn off interest from Arsenal. Any deal would make Rogers the most expensive transfer in British history.
Off the pitch, Villa Park is undergoing a transformation, with the North Stand undergoing major developments that will leave it closed for next season. Once completed, the overall stadium capacity will increase to over 50,000.
