Unai Emery: Aston Villa appoint Villarreal boss as new head coach following Steven Gerrard sacking
Unai Emery joined Villarreal in 2020 and led the club to Europa League glory and the Champions League semi-finals; Spaniard previously had a spell in charge of Arsenal and turned down interest from Newcastle last year; Aston Villa sacked Steven Gerrard last week
Tuesday 25 October 2022 15:50, UK
Aston Villa have appointed Villarreal boss Unai Emery as their new head coach.
Emery, who had a spell as Arsenal manager from 2018 to 2019, replaces Steven Gerrard, who was sacked last week.
The 50-year-old will begin his new role on November 1 after his work permit formalities are completed, meaning his first match in charge will be at home to Manchester United on Sunday, November 6.
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The Spaniard will hold a farewell press conference with Villarreal on Tuesday. He joined the club in the summer of 2020 and led them to glory in the Europa League - at United's expense - at the end of his first season.
Emery continued to impress in his second campaign, guiding Villarreal to the Champions League semi-finals for just the second time in their history.
Emery's previous managerial spell in the Premier League ended three years ago when he was sacked by Arsenal. He turned down a return to England last year when he was approached by Newcastle.
Prior to moving to the Premier League, Emery won a Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain, as well as two French Cups and two French League Cups. He also won three Europa Leagues with Sevilla which, combined with the fourth he won with Villarreal, makes him the most successful manager in the history of the competition.
Gerrard's exit came 11 months after he moved to Villa Park from Rangers, where he led the side to their first Scottish league title in 10 years.
But the former England captain was unable to replicate that success south of the border, winning just 13 of his 40 matches in charge before being sacked immediately after Villa's 3-0 defeat at Fulham last week.
Aaron Danks was handed the job on a caretaker basis and inspired a change in fortunes last weekend, when Villa thrashed Brentford 4-0 to record their first win in five matches.
Danks looks set to remain in charge for Saturday's visit to Newcastle, with Emery arriving three days later.
Carra: Emery fantastic for Villa, he's a super coach
Jamie Carragher speaking on Monday Night Football shortly before Emery was appointed:
"I think it would be a fantastic appointment. I'm a huge fan of Unai Emery. He's had a lot of success with teams just below the elite, almost fighting against the biggest clubs.
"It didn't go quite so well with him at Arsenal but if you look what he did at Villarreal - Europa League winners and you look at how far they pushed Liverpool in the Champions League. He was brilliant at Valencia, always getting them into the Champions League places.
"I don't think he's the type of manager for Barcelona and Real Madrid - and I don't mean that in a disrespectful way - but for a Valencia and an Aston Villa and for clubs who are trying to compete against teams who have more money, he gets his teams really organised and he's a super coach.
"Maybe not for the biggest names on the planet but, for Aston Villa right now, I think he'd be a great appointment."
Lambert: Emery brilliant | He'll stabilise Villa
Former Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert, who managed the club from 2012 to 2015, believes Emery will stabilise the current squad but must be backed in the upcoming transfer windows.
"I think Villa had to appoint him quickly, their league position suggests it's a little bit of hot water there at the minute," Lambert told Sky Sports News.
"But he's a brilliant manager, no matter what you say. I know he had a little sticky time at Arsenal, but what he's done in Europe has been phenomenal really, so he's a good, experienced manager.
"I think it's huge for the club because there's a big expectancy level at Aston Villa. The fans demand success and if you don't get it and you don't win games, you know exactly what's going to happen to you.
"He knows the game, he's not a novice, and he's won big European titles. I think he's a good manager, but again you're going to have to look at the players to get you results.
"I think he'll stabilise the squad, but the club has to help him by eventually strengthening it."
'Emery has unfinished business in Premier League'
European football expert Kevin Hatchard told Sky Sports News:
"You look at Emery's situation with Villarreal and what he did last season. He was able to get them to the semi-finals of the Champions League. Before that, he won the Europa League.
"I don't think he was ready to go last season when he was linked with Newcastle, but I think now there's a feeling that he's taken Villarreal as far as he can and he has unfinished business in the Premier League.
"He's a great coach and if you look at his experience, his CV is tremendous."
