Como have secured the services of Individual Performance Coach Antonio Rodriguez Saravia from Aston Villa, with the Italian club continuing to strengthen their backroom team ahead of a historic European campaign. The departure of Saravia from Villa Park was confirmed by the Midlands club earlier this week, paving the way for him to join Cesc Fabregas’s ambitious project in Serie A.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Como moved swiftly to recruit the highly regarded specialist following his release from Villa. Matt Law, football correspondent for the newspaper, called the move “a big coup” for Fabregas’s project, highlighting Saravia’s strong reputation within the game.
Backroom changes at Villa Park
Saravia’s exit forms part of a wider reshuffle within Unai Emery’s coaching staff. Assistant Coach Pako Ayestaran has also departed the club, with both men having worked on Emery’s team since 2022. During their three-year tenure, the backroom staff contributed to Aston Villa’s success in the Europa League.
The timing of the departures follows a season of significant achievement for Villa. The club moved quickly to confirm the changes, with Saravia now set to apply his expertise in Italy after leaving the Midlands. His departure marks the end of a successful collaboration with Emery that brought European silverware to Villa Park.
Como’s rapid ascent
The appointment signals Como’s determination to establish themselves among Serie A’s elite. The Lombardy club have enjoyed a remarkable trajectory, securing fourth place in Serie A and reaching the Coppa Italia semi-finals last season—just two years after competing in the second tier.
These results have qualified Como for the Champions League for the first time in their history. Head coach Fabregas has been central to this transformation, remodelling the club in his own style and even assisting with the design of new training facilities alongside architects. The former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder has created a distinct identity at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
European preparations
With Saravia’s arrival, Como appear to be investing in high-level performance infrastructure to meet the demands of competing on multiple fronts. The specific details of his role under Fabregas remain to be clarified, though his recent experience at Villa Park will prove vital as the Italian side prepare for their debut in Europe’s premier club competition.
The club’s supporters will hope that such appointments signal further intent in the transfer market, as Como aim to balance domestic consistency with the challenges of Champions League football. The coming weeks will reveal how Fabregas integrates his new performance coach into a squad that has already exceeded expectations.