Ramón Rodríguez Verdejo (AKA Monchi)

[pauliewalnuts]

I don't see this as in any way positive. Emery's first choice, club built around three men, and now one of them has gone.

Was he Emery's first choice?

Alemany was all but signed up for the role and opted to stay at Barcelona.

[curiousorange]

One thing I will say is that of the trio, Monchi is the one who's gone off and done other things with other clubs, so if one had to go I'm rather it's him and not Vidagany. Still can't see it as anything other than a giant caterwauling claxon though.

[curiousorange]

I don't see this as in any way positive. Emery's first choice, club built around three men, and now one of them has gone.

Was he Emery's first choice?

Alemany was all but signed up for the role and opted to stay at Barcelona.

Honestly can't recall now. I thought I read in that Waking the Giant book he was but now you say that, it does ring a bell.

[SamTheMouse]

I'm fairly relaxed about it, because by and large Monchi's done a shit job.

Lange had a far superior hit rate.

[PaulWinch again]

Hardly a surprise really. 

I don’t know about that, it’s quite a big deal. But something has definitely been off in terms on Unai’s reluctance with some players. We’ll see if it’s positive or the beginning of a bigger issue.

[KevinGage]

I'd have punted him after the Sancho and Lindelöf deals, personally.

All the players in world football and that's what his dynamic scouting comes up with.

You do wonder if this is something Emery has agreed to or even orchestrated. Or whether it's the start of easing him out as well.

[Drummond]

#avfc president of football operations Monchi is leaving the club. A close ally of manager Unai Emery, Monchi departs Villa after  just over 2 years in the post. Not entirely unexpected but a big development. More to follow @TeleFootball

From John Percy

[pauliewalnuts]

Guillem Balague will be annoyed with his book coming out this week. It's probably going to be choc full of 'tight knit triumvirate' stuff which is now out of date.

[Drummond]

I think this is Emery doing what needs to be done. And I respect him more for it.

[PaulWinch again]

#avfc president of football operations Monchi is leaving the club. A close ally of manager Unai Emery, Monchi departs Villa after  just over 2 years in the post. Not entirely unexpected but a big development. More to follow @TeleFootball

From John Percy

The close ally bit is the curious part - what is the driver of this.

[john e]

It would seem there has been unrest and things going on behind the scenes then
Not just a dip form

[Beard82]

I think this is Emery doing what needs to be done. And I respect him more for it.

I really hope thats the case - otherwise this feels like it could be an issue

[PaulWinch again]

I think this is Emery doing what needs to be done. And I respect him more for it.

It might be, but we really have no idea. It’s a pretty major shift.

[PeterWithesShin]

Time for the split badge to make an appearance in the Mail.

[Clampy]

It's going to be interesting to see how this pans out. Let's hope it's for the best and things don't start to unravel.