Unai Emery

[Demitri_C]

Or we could have gone on to win the game. No one knows until he does it and see how it pans out. Was quite clear fatigue kicked in when brighton scored and the subs on this occasion were done too late

[Somniloquism]

And we also don't know whether making the subs in the previous games cost us the points, however he was criticised for making them then as well. ("Why did he take Ollie off, the ball didn't stick up front so the pressure was on us", "So and so didn't do anything when he came on, he should have have left dooby on instead", etc).

[Demitri_C]

Thats part of being a manager  though. When you get it right you are praised  when you get it wrong you get criticised.

In this instance though he made the subs too late is my view.

[ChicagoLion]

You could see they were gaining momentum and we were looking tired, particularly Tielemens and Bailey.

[edgysatsuma89]

I sometimes feel we're focusing too hard on trying to  'control' the game at times, instead of just trying to score goals and not concede them.

I'd agree for the first 70 minutes, then we seem to do what you're suggesting in the last 20 and keep conceding.

I'm not sure. I'm not exactly confident in the first 20, either.

[DB]

I sometimes feel we're focusing too hard on trying to  'control' the game at times, instead of just trying to score goals and not concede them.

I'd agree for the first 70 minutes, then we seem to do what you're suggesting in the last 20 and keep conceding.

I'm not sure. I'm not exactly confident in the first 20, either.

…and the less said about the middle bit, the better.

[aj2k77]

Opening 10 and final 10 are our weak points. Scored 4 conceded 14. Concentration and fitness issues.

[john e]

I sometimes feel we're focusing too hard on trying to  'control' the game at times, instead of just trying to score goals and not concede them.

Yep, agreed we do that a lot
very often we are in control as well and then the opposition go and score and that fucks everything up

[Sexual Ealing]

I wish the opposition wouldn't do that.

[SaddVillan]

https://x.com/GuillemBalague/status/1880233963546869995?s=08


Awakening the Giant: Inside Unai Emery's Aston Villa Revolution

Guillem Balagué

Release date August 28 2025

The exclusive behind-the-scenes account of Unai Emery's Aston Villa revolution, from the award-winning Sunday Times bestseller Guillem Balagué

In October 2022, Unai Emery was appointed manager of Aston Villa. Despite being one of England's most historic football clubs, Emery was taking charge of a team in turmoil and hovering above the relegation zone in the Premier League. But in his very first match, Villa produced a statement victory, deftly beating Manchester United 3-1 at Villa Park. It was a sign of things to come.

Guillem Balagué has had unparalleled access to Unai Emery, his backroom staff and the Aston Villa squad ever since the Spaniard was appointed manager in 2022. From Emery's early years growing up in the Basque region to becoming one of the most exciting coaches managing today, Awakening the Giant reveals the inner workings of Emery's psyche. Featuring exclusive interviews with Emery himself, as well as key players such as Villa captain John McGinn and star striker Ollie Watkins, it charts the journeys of both Emery and Aston Villa over the last three decades, offering a comprehensive and compelling narrative of why they are the perfect match.

Exploring Emery's management of the Midlands side, the book outlines how he has transformed them into an exciting side renowned for their direct passing, high energy and devastating counter attacks. After a 7th placed finish in his first season in charge, Emery's Villa's continued their fine form in the 2023-24 season, finishing 4th and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in over four decades.

With the Holte End roaring into life as Villa Park welcomed the return of European football's most prestigious club competition, it was clear for all to see: Unai Emery had awoken the sleeping giant.

[eamonn]

The danger with multi-year projects like this is that it all goes to shit by the time the product is on sale. Can't see Emery sacked by next August but hopefully the feel-good factor around the club is still strong (Heckisms aside).

Would have preferred a Netflix 8 parter but Guillem's a good lad who knows his cebollas.

[Somniloquism]

Interesting Unai was there on Sunday. I would have thought he was planning out all the Everton stuff but then that is what laptops are for. I wonder if he has private flights sorted by the bosses.

[eamonn]

Yeah, crazy the amount of travelling he must do. Personal plane from a Bodymoor helipad?