- Former Real Madrid President Ramon Calderon has praised Unai Emery as a “very good coach” after the manager was linked to the Bernabéu
- The Spaniard has reportedly been added to their shortlist for the summer as a potential replacement for Alvaro Arbeloa
Unai Emery has been recently linked with the managerial position at Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants looking to replace Alvaro Arbeloa in the summer. Their former President Ramon Calderon has praised Emery as a “very good coach” but suggests he is one of many candidates they are considering.
talkSPORT reported that the 54-year-old is high on the list to become the new manager at the Bernabéu, rivalling Jose Mourinho for the job. He is under contract at Aston Villa until the summer of 2029, and a move away from the club would require significant compensation.
Ramon Calderon on Unai Emery
On talkSPORT’s The S* Word, Ramon Calderon was asked about Emery.
“He’s a very good coach, but there are many. And not all of them are going to fit for coaching Real Madrid.
“It’s a very difficult team. When you come here, you feel that.
“I’ve noticed that with many, many top players who have come here and noticed the pressure they have in a club where to win is not a success, it’s an obligation for the players, for the coach, for the president.
“That is, in my opinion, the problem for any coach. He must be able to accept the pressure he is going to have here.
“Unai has proven to be a very good coach, so why not?”
How big of a loss could it be for Villa?
The transformation in the three-and-a-half years he’s been at Villa Park has been incredible, and he’s been able to do it with the same core group of players.
He has taken them from a relegation battle to consistent European qualification in the space of three seasons.
Although players have certainly played a part, the success is mainly down to Emery’s management and knowledge. He’s extracted every bit of potential possible out of them, and somehow managed to balance playing in the Premier League and Europe whilst continuing to perform well in both.
If you compare that to other clubs like Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, they have struggled to juggle both competitions.
It would be catastrophic if he leaves Villa in the summer. They would significantly regress, and it would take multiple seasons to get back to where they are currently.
Huge factor that could make him stay
However, the autonomy he has at B6 is something he would never have at Real Madrid. The hierarchy are intensely involved in transfers, the management style and player development. It would be a complete contrast to the environment he has at Villa.
This could be a huge factor in his decision should they make an approach.
Overall, while the allure of Real Madrid is undeniable, Emery faces a profound dilemma. He’s still yet to have success in England, and more specifically with Villa. Winning a trophy was the objective he set out when he first joined in November 2022, and he’s yet to achieve it. Furthermore, the loss of total power he has in the Midlands could be the deciding element.
Ultimately, this summer is a pivotal juncture in Villa’s future. The decision of whether Emery stays or leaves will shape the seasons to come.
