Unai Emery

[eamonn]

The Libertines are Peter Ridsdale's Leeds: it seemed like a good idea at the time for reasons we can't understand now, and it was never built to last.

I will not allow it because I'm fond of those first two Libertines albums and I am actively antagonistic to Leeds of any vintage.

A bit like our Bernie and Brett (though not nearly as good). Fine debut, great in-between single and then a flawed follow-up album with the two main creators at each other's throats before the whole thing fell apart.

[Sexual Ealing]

The Libertines are Peter Ridsdale's Leeds: it seemed like a good idea at the time for reasons we can't understand now, and it was never built to last.

I will not allow it because I'm fond of those first two Libertines albums and I am actively antagonistic to Leeds of any vintage.

A bit like our Bernie and Brett (though not nearly as good). Fine debut, great in-between single and then a flawed follow-up album with the two main creators at each other's throats before the whole thing fell apart.

I take your point but we're comparing planets and moons.

[eamonn]

Acrobats and junkies.

[Sexual Ealing]

Ha!

[Gerrin]

I think I read a report last week whether true or not that Wes and Nas want him to stay and build a Ferguson type empire.  Which would mean him virtually retiring at the end.  Let’s hope so.  I could put up with that sort of success then 12 years of lambert esque appointments after that (seeing as I’m in my mid 50s).

That wouldn't surprise me in the slightest, but there will come a point where he will want silverware.  His CV demands it.  And yes, we're unrecognisable as a club from the day he joined, and yes, he's rightly lauded in football circles for the work he's done here, but there will only be an "Unai dynasty" at Aston Villa if he can sprinkle in a few shiny pots along the way. He's not a man who will settle for top 4 and semi-finals indefinitely.  Which is a GOOD thing, obviously.

I don't think that there is any risk of him going anywhere now, but if we continue to be restricted financially, and he feels we'll never be able to compete on a level financial footing with our peers in this league, then maybe, just maybe, he'll be tempted.  But I'd say we're another two years from that point, and even then ONLY if we remain trophyless. 

If we're giving him what he wants, the control and freedom he craves, and the financial muscle to compete, while also winning the odd trophy along the way, I think he could be here till he retires (short of the Spain job calling).

Personally, I'd be really excited to see what he could do when we eventually get to the point where every player is one he recruited.  In the same way Ferguson built multiple teams capable of winning the title, I do wonder what Unai will have built in another 3 or 4 years, when all of the players he inherited (and improved!) have moved on, and been replaced with players he personally chose.   When our squad no longer contains the likes of McGinn, Watkins, Cash, Konsa, Martinez, Mings, Digne and so on. 

It's not often a manager lasts long enough in a job to refresh an ENTIRE squad of players - but I hope Unai is here long enough to get the chance to do it more than once!

I think he wants longevity somewhere, and I simply can't see that happening at any major team who regularly plays in the CL. Looking at the recent departures from Man U and Chelsea, it seems clear that these type of  clubs are being run by the DOF and CEO. Unai has been given licence to pick his top team, and run it with them as a management team. For that reason, I just can't see any of these jobs that arise interesting him. Good shout for Spain though, I think he's probably behind Pepe for that one atm. 😊

[Garyth]

[...] till he retires (short of the Spain job calling).

I suspect he currently (still) enjoys the challenge of putting teams out twice a week in league and European competitions too much.

When he tires of the grind, you'd think that international football would be an option - although maybe his detail oriented approach might not suit it as much as he'd have less time with players

[pauliewalnuts]

[...] till he retires (short of the Spain job calling).

I suspect he currently (still) enjoys the challenge of putting teams out twice a week in league and European competitions too much.

When he tires of the grind, you'd think that international football would be an option - although maybe his detail oriented approach might not suit it as much as he'd have less time with players

Exactly this - he loves his intense day in day out involvement with the team, all those 90 minute long video sessions etc, the control of all the moving parts from one day to the next.

International management is the exact opposite of that, I struggle to think of another manager less suited to that sort of role.

[eye digress]

He said in an interview last week, speaking coyly but candidly, that his goal is to win the Champions League.

So I'm guessing he will stay with us for as long as that objective remains reasonably on the table.

Strap yourselves in, Villans!

[PeterWithesShin]

It's why I can't see him at ManU or ManC. Seems to me he loves getting the best out of players and sticking it up 'the big clubs'. Being at a club where the biggest decision is which 60m player to pick strikes me as something that would bring him no joy or sense of achievement. If we finished 3rd this season it will be a far greater managerial achievement than Guardiola if he wins the league by 8 points.

[aj2k77]

Guardiola gets a couple of injuries to centre backs and still has 2 available that he signed for a combined £80m but his solution is he needs more centre backs as cover. We had to play a fullback and centre mid last season in defence. He's the perfect fit for Man City, nothing they or he does really counts as it's all in a cheat mode.

[Dante Lavelli]

It's why I can't see him at ManU or ManC. Seems to me he loves getting the best out of players and sticking it up 'the big clubs'. Being at a club where the biggest decision is which 60m player to pick strikes me as something that would bring him no joy or sense of achievement. If we finished 3rd this season it will be a far greater managerial achievement than Guardiola if he wins the league by 8 points.

Any french football fans on here?  How was he at PSG?

I read his win % is still the highest of any PSG manager, yet I seem to recall him not overly enjoying his time there and being frustrated that ‘the club’ signed all the players.

[eye digress]

Memorable for abundant domestic success, Unai cutting Neymar's birthday cake, and that Remontada.

[adrenachrome]

https://x.com/GuillemBalague/status/2008840250492400001

GuillemBalague
Unai Emery should be top of any list of any top club in the world that is looking for a manager But if you think he would leave Aston Villa now, it means you haven't properly understood what he is feeling about the work he is doing

[Rigadon]

We really do need to win something soon.  The league and Europa would be just fine.  The FA cup and CL next year is fine with me.

[PaulWinch again]

https://x.com/GuillemBalague/status/2008840250492400001

GuillemBalague
Unai Emery should be top of any list of any top club in the world that is looking for a manager But if you think he would leave Aston Villa now, it means you haven't properly understood what he is feeling about the work he is doing

That is good affirmation.