Over the past few weeks, the media has been rife with speculation on whether Emery would leave Aston Villa to join Bayern Munich. Some suggested that if Manchester United were to part with their current manager, Ten Hag, they might consider making an offer to the Villa boss, potentially leading to his departure.
It would be understandable to think that a manager would jump at the opportunity to go to Munich or United despite their recent struggles. However, this would not seem the case with Emery who has agreed on a new contract with Aston Villa up to 2027.
The Villa owners Naseef Sawiris and Wes Edens see Emery as “their version of Sir Alex Ferguson”. While it’s unlikely almost any manager could match his achievements it’s clear the owners have an aim to build a dynasty at the club with Emery at the helm. It’s important to note that although the media speculated about the Spanish coach leaving, there were no direct contacts with Emery from potential suitors..
A Partnership of Respect and Trust
A Dynasty is what the owners want but that in itself doesn’t suggest that Emery would stay at Villa if a big offer from one of the giants of football came in. Despite the obvious allure of those top clubs a statement from Emery upon the announcement of his contract suggests a shared vision with the owners.
Emery stated on the club site “Me and the football management…we share the vision of the owners. Nassef [Sawiris] and Wes [Edens] are very supportive and respectful, and we have a good environment and the right structure to develop this football club.”
The players have recognized Emery’s commitment to Villa, with several members of the dressing room thoroughly enjoying working with him. Their improvements since he joined have united the whole team behind the manager. They can sometimes spend hours in meetings. But the results have validated Emery’s meticulous preparations before games and, as a result. All the players have bought into the project.
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The Project: How Villa Have Set Emery up for Success
As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. It would seem both the owners and managers are not all talk. After a highly successful first season guiding Villa from possible relegation candidates to a Europa Conference League spot. Emery and his support staff greatly appreciated being given a great deal of control to shape their football department, as this is rarely a position afforded at most top clubs.
Emery has his handpicked first-choice backroom staff as well as his personal assistant and close friend Damian Vidagany whose job title changed during the off-season from personal assistant to director of football. Additionally, Ramon Verdejo, widely known as Monchi, joined from Sevilla as president of football operations. Like Vidagany, his role is to provide a strong base and the calibre of players suited to Emery’s vision.
Those around Emery also share his passion for the club with Vidanagy stating to the Athletic: “We are lucky to work in Villa. You don’t know how lucky Aston Villa is to have these owners. What we found here are owners who are committed financially but embracing the heritage.”
Gestures of goodwill between the ownership and management further illustrate their joint aim for long-term success. Emery’s son joined the Villa Academy, and the club has invested in Emery’s family-owned club Real Union. Instances such as this are securing some very strong bonds between both club and manager.
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Are the Sleeping Giants Waking Up?
Emery may soon become the first Aston Villa manager to qualify for the competition since it was rebranded as the Champions League. Could this be the beginning of a new era only time will tell but all the signs seem positive at this point.
Perhaps Emery faced harsh judgment for his struggles at Arsenal. It was a time of transition and change, and it is easy to forget that Arteta didn’t have the best start to his tenure either.
The Spaniard came back to the league with a point to prove and has shown he has what it takes to be a top manager in this league. This time around no such troubles are arising, though there has been the odd bump in the road his time at Villa so far has been a complete success.
Aston Villa will hope to continue pursuing the top 4 against Chelsea in their next game as they aim to finish ahead of chasing Spurs. The aim then is to sustain this level and become regulars in the competition or perhaps they can dare to dream even bigger.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Source : Emery Dedicated to the Villa Project
