Unai Emery
Unai Emery has transformed Aston Villa since taking over as manager, guiding the club away from relegation and securing European qualification. Under his leadership, Villa reached the semi-finals of the Conference League and achieved a fourth-place finish in the 2023/24 Premier League season, earning a spot in the Champions League. Despite a valiant effort against Paris Saint-Germain, Villa’s Champions League journey ended on aggregate. Emery now sets his sights on winning silverware to mark his tenure at Villa Park.
Unai Emery said: “I am a better coach than three years ago and I am thankful for the players for helping me get better as a coach. I’m also thankful for the club for helping me and making me better with the opportunity I have to manage here. With the result we are getting, of course, playing in Europe is something I appreciate a lot. It is giving us another level. Conference League semi-final, Champions League quarter-final and now we are in the Europa League. We are focusing on the priority through the Premier League, to be top 10, top seven, top five. Achieving it is the successful way we did, collectively and individually, each one can feel like I am feeling myself – proud of everything we did. The owners are very important in how they are supporting me and the club. There is still work to do and still objectives to set and hard work to achieve them. One of them is some titles. Premier League, the cups in England and in Europe are the targets we can set. We are in this way.”
Emery’s ambitions are clear as he aims to secure titles in both domestic and European competitions. Villa has been considered early favorites to win the Europa League this season. However, they faced a setback with a surprising defeat to Go Ahead Eagles, following victories over Bologna and Feyenoord in their initial league phase fixtures.
Unai Emery said: “A little bit, because when you win in the last matches, it gives you confidence, but you are closer to losing again. It was not a surprise to lose for me and the players, because we have had experiences in Europe, and away. Each year we have had a defeat like that. Legia Warsaw two years ago, last year Brugge and this year it was yesterday. Of course, there are still matches to play and I want to learn. For me, everything that happened is learning for us. Also, reminding us of similar circumstances. Why? Because we were favourite, we dominated and made chances, but you can still lose. Sometimes we have less chances and win, but sometimes that then happens to us. Even losing, we have been consistent in the Europa League. We have played three matches and we have six points.”
Emery emphasizes the importance of learning from past experiences and maintaining consistency in the Europa League. Despite the recent defeat, Villa remains competitive with six points from three matches. Emery’s strategic focus is on being in the top 24 initially and then advancing to the top eight to bypass an additional round. This approach highlights his tactical acumen and determination to lead Villa to further success.
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