​Change is afoot at Bodymoor Heath. In a move that has sent ripples through the Aston Villa faithful, the club has officially confirmed a significant restructuring of Unai Emery’s coaching staff. As the Villans prepare for a grueling 2026/27 campaign, two long-standing pillars of Emery’s backroom team—assistant manager Pako Ayestaran and individual performance coach Antonio Rodriguez Saravia—are set to depart.

​The End of an Era: Ayestaran and “Rodri” Depart

​The departures mark the end of a highly successful chapter for the coaching duo. Both Ayestaran and Saravia (affectionately known as “Rodri” to the playing squad) have been instrumental figures in Emery’s setup since his arrival in November 2022.

​Pako Ayestaran, a veteran of the game whose pedigree includes a legendary Champions League title with Rafa Benitez at Liverpool in 2005, brought a level of tactical gravitas that helped stabilize Villa during their ascent toward the Premier League elite. Alongside him, “Rodri”—a former striker who transitioned from Emery’s tenure at Villarreal to Villa Park—was frequently cited by players as a quiet engine behind the team’s individual development. His departure is reportedly a emotional one, given the strong, direct influence he had on the squad’s technical progress during Emery’s tenure.

​In a class-act statement released this morning, the club expressed their gratitude: “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 New Architect: Who is Chema Sanz?

​Emery is a manager who leaves nothing to chance, and the club has moved swiftly to fill the void. Replacing Ayestaran is Chema Sanz, an elite-level coach with over 20 years of experience across the European game.

​Sanz is no stranger to the pressures of top-flight football. Most recently serving as the assistant manager at Osasuna, he brings a wealth of tactical acumen to the Villa training ground. Interestingly, Sanz has deep historical ties within the footballing world, having previously served as the No. 2 to Villa’s current president of football operations, Roberto Olabe, during their time together at Almeria back in 2010. His experience also spans high-pressure environments like Valencia and Sheffield United, making him the perfect “steady hand” to assist Emery as the club navigates an increasingly crowded fixture list.

​Why the Shake-Up Matters

​For the average fan, backroom staff changes might seem like minor news, but for a club of Aston Villa’s ambition, these shifts are vital. Emery’s system is notoriously demanding, relying on intricate rotations and individual player growth. Bringing in a new voice like Sanz suggests that Emery is looking to inject fresh tactical perspectives into his training sessions to ensure that opposing managers cannot “solve” the Villa blueprint.

​This overhaul is a signal of intent: the club is not interested in stagnation. By freshening up the coaching staff, Villa is positioning itself to not only compete for European qualification again but to challenge the established “Big Six” for domestic hardware.

​The transition at Bodymoor Heath begins immediately. All eyes will now be on the training pitch to see how Sanz settles into the fold as the squad kicks off their preseason preparations. One thing is certain: Unai Emery isn’t just building a team—he is refining a machine, and this coaching shake-up is the latest move in his relentless quest for perfection.