Aston Villa defender Matty Cash could be one of the players most affected by the departure of assistant coach Pako Ayestaran.
Ayestaran has left Villa Park as part of changes to Unai Emery’s backroom staff, bringing an end to his successful spell with the club.
Widely regarded as a highly respected figure behind the scenes, the Spaniard’s exit is expected to leave a significant gap at Bodymoor Heath.
Jose Maria Sanz has arrived as his replacement, though he faces the challenge of filling the role of a coach who was considered one of Emery’s closest and most influential assistants.
That transition could have consequences for Cash, who is coming off what many consider to be his strongest season in a Villa shirt.
Ayestaran’s influence behind the scenes
The 63-year-old may not have always been in the spotlight, but he has played a key role since joining Aston Villa alongside Emery in 2022.
He served as Emery’s assistant throughout the Spaniard’s tenure and even led the team from the touchline during the manager’s suspension against West Ham in January 2025.
Although Villa drew that match, it did little to overshadow Ayestaran’s wider contribution to the club.
Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch previously described his coaching work as “absolutely incredible,” praise that has been echoed by many within Villa’s training ground.
Known for his meticulous tactical preparation and detailed coaching sessions, Ayestaran played an important role in implementing Emery’s tactical ideas.
His influence was particularly evident in Villa’s defensive organisation, including the high defensive line and offside trap that became a trademark during Emery’s first seasons in charge.
He also helped players prepare individually with detailed opposition analysis, allowing them to adapt their performances to different opponents.
Those contributions have played a significant role in Villa’s rise into regular European competition.
Among the players to benefit most from his coaching was Cash, who enjoyed an outstanding campaign after facing criticism the previous year.
The Poland international arguably produced his finest season for Villa, and Ayestaran’s coaching methods are believed to have contributed significantly to that improvement.
Cash faces a new challenge
Replacing a coach renowned for his tactical attention to detail will not be straightforward after several successful years in the role.
While Emery’s overall philosophy is unlikely to change, Cash may now have to adapt without one of the coaches who helped elevate his game.
His attacking numbers improved from two goal contributions in 2024/25 to seven in 2025/26, while his defensive performances also reached a new level.
The full-back recorded 186 defensive actions in the Premier League last season, a significant increase from the 145 he managed the year before.
His previous totals of 138 in 2023/24 and 123 in 2022/23 further highlight the steady defensive progress made during Emery’s reign.
That improvement reflects the impact of Villa’s coaching staff, with Ayestaran widely viewed as a major influence on Cash’s development.
The hope at Villa Park will be that the defender can maintain those standards despite the departure of one of the key figures behind his recent success.
