From Villareal to Villa: Unai Emery is Back!

October 25, 2022

Unai Emery has returned to the English Premier League as the new coach of Aston Villa FC.
On Monday, 24 October, the club announced in a press release that Emery has been appointed as its new coach and will begin his duties from 1 November onwards once “his work permit formalities are completed.”

“Unai joins from [Spanish club] Villarreal, whom he led to Europa League success by beating Manchester United in the final in 2021 as well as the semi-finals of the Champions League last season,” reads the release.

The 50-year-old Spaniard also previously coached Arsenal from 2018 to 2019 – a tumultuous stint that ultimately saw him sacked.

His appointment comes after Steven Gerrard – whose own coaching spell was also tainted by a string of poor performances – was fired by Villa after a disappointing 3-0 loss to Fulham United last week.

Emery will be seen in action when Villa takes on Manchester United next Sunday, 6 November.

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