Como Set to Poach Aston Villa Performance Coach Rodri Saravia in Ambitious Staff Coup

FolioPitch.com – 02 July 2026 | In a move that underscores their rapid ascent in Italian football, Report Como will swoop for Aston Villa member of staff Antonio Rodriguez Saravia, with the Serie A side set to hire the highly regarded Individual Performance Coach. The news, first reported by Telegraph correspondent Matt Law, comes just hours after Aston Villa announced Saravia’s departure, signaling that the club’s ambitious project under Cesc Fabregas is extending beyond player acquisitions.

According to sources close to the situation, Report Como will swoop for Aston Villa member of staff Rodri Saravia — as he is commonly known — as part of a broader strategy to bolster the coaching team. Saravia, who has been with Aston Villa since 2022 alongside Unai Emery, played a key role in the club’s Europa League triumph this season. His expertise in individual player development and performance optimization is highly valued, and his move to Como would represent a significant coup for a club that was in Serie B just over two years ago.

Como’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After winning promotion to Serie A, they finished fourth in the top flight last season, securing a historic first-ever Champions League campaign. They also reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals, where they were eliminated by Inter. Now, as they prepare for European competition, the club is not only strengthening its squad but also its backroom staff. Report Como will swoop for Aston Villa member of staff in a bid to bring world-class performance analysis to the Lake Como club, mirroring the ambition shown by coach Cesc Fabregas.

Fabregas, who took over as head coach in 2025, has been reshaping Como in his own image. He has been heavily involved in the design of new training facilities and is known for his meticulous approach to player development. The addition of Saravia, who worked closely with Emery at Aston Villa and previously at Villarreal, is seen as a perfect fit. Saravia’s methods focus on individualized training programs, recovery strategies, and data-driven performance enhancements — all areas Fabregas prioritizes.

Saravia’s departure from Aston Villa was confirmed in a club statement on Wednesday, which also noted the exit of assistant coach Pako Ayestaran. Both had been part of Emery’s trusted inner circle since 2022. While Ayestaran’s next move remains unclear, Saravia appears headed to Italy. Matt Law tweeted: “Understand Antonio Rodriguez (Rodri) has been lined up by Como after Aston Villa announced his departure. Would be a big coup for Como and Cesc Fabregas, as he is very highly rated.”

For Como, this staff addition signals a long-term commitment to excellence. The club has already made waves in the transfer market, bringing in players like Cesc Fabregas’s former teammate and other high-profile signings. But the infrastructure behind the scenes is equally crucial. As Fabregas builds a club from the ground up, every detail matters — from the grass on the training pitches to the strength and conditioning programs. Report Como will swoop for Aston Villa member of staff like Saravia illustrates that vision.

Saravia’s role at Como has not been officially defined, but it is expected to be similar to his position at Villa: Individual Performance Coach. He will work one-on-one with players to maximize their physical and technical output, using advanced analytics and sports science. His arrival could be a game-changer for players like Patrick Cutrone or emerging talents who need that extra edge. With Champions League football on the horizon, having top-tier support staff is non-negotiable.

The move also highlights the increasing importance of specialized coaching roles in modern football. Gone are the days when a head coach and a fitness coach sufficed. Today, clubs employ psychologists, nutritionists, data analysts, and individual performance coaches to gain marginal gains. Como, despite being a smaller club by history, is thinking like a European giant. By targeting a staff member from a Premier League club that just won the Europa League, they are signaling their intent to compete at the highest level.

For Aston Villa, losing Saravia is a blow. He was part of the triumvirate that transformed Villa from mid-table also-rans into European champions. However, the club has a deep coaching structure and will likely promote from within or seek a replacement. Emery has already shown his ability to rebuild staff after previous departures.

In conclusion, Como’s pursuit of Rodri Saravia is a clear statement of ambition. Report Como will swoop for Aston Villa member of staff is just the latest example of a club that refuses to rest on its laurels. With Fabregas at the helm and a growing reputation, Como is building something special. This staff acquisition, if completed, will only strengthen their hopes of making an impact in the Champions League and beyond.