‘Unai Emery is the proper match for Aston Villa – his new contract proves that’
Unai Emery and Aston Villa are the perfect fit – as illustrated by the Spaniard’s new, bumper long-term deal in the Midlands.
That is the verdict of ex-Villa Park favourite Tony Daley after witnessing the mad managerial scramble involving some of Europe’s biggest clubs since the end of the season.
In the past week Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Barcelona have all made surprise changes in their respective hot-seats while Manchester United have yet to decide whether to stick or twist with Dutchman Erik ten Hag.
READ MORE: Liverpool fans joke it’s over for Darwin Nunez as Arne Slot targets Ollie Watkins
READ MORE: Steven Gerrard took Sir Alex Ferguson’s advice from two-hour chat after Aston Villa sack
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One person, though, not in the frame for any of the top posts is Villa supremo Emery – thanks to the £40million, five-year contract extension he has just signed as reward for a brilliant 2023-24 campaign.
All of which highlights what a blinder the Villa board have played, according to Daley, nailing down one of football’s elite coaches – and keeping him from the clutches of rivals.
What have you made of Aston Villa under Unai Emery? Let us know in the comments section
(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
The ex-England winger, who made 267 Villa appearances from 1985 to 1994, said: “That’s the point when you look at the clubs who’ve had jobs available.
“There’s been Chelsea, Bayern, Liverpool all looking for managers – and possibly United could be another – yet Unai Emery has committed himself to Villa. It’s brilliant he’s shown his full commitment to us. It appears he’s found a club he loves and a club who loves him.
“He knows what the fans are like and he has a board who have total faith in him and are prepared to back him to the hilt. They’ve now shown that with this five-year deal. He deserves it because he’s a top, top coach.
(Image: PA)
“It’s a win-win for everybody. For Emery, the owners, the fans and the players he’s helped transform in just over two years here. It’s amazing what he’s achieved.” If Emery is going nowhere, Daley is optimistic it will be the same regarding Villa’s in-demand hitman Ollie Watkins.
The England international was the club’s top scorer last term, his 19 Premier League goals integral to their Champions League qualification. That is attracting interest from Liverpool and Arsenal.
But Daley, 56, added: “The fact he’s being linked with these clubs is only a compliment to how exceptional he has been in the last 18 months.
“He has the Champions League next season, a manager who really believes in him – and he’s off to the Euros in the summer. I can’t really see why he’d need to leave Villa now.”
