Unai Emery says he is “really optimistic” about Aston Villa’s direction after Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Indonesia All Stars in Jakarta.
The message centred on the club’s rebuild, adapting new players and beginning what he described as a “new chapter” next season.
Villa used 22 players during the opening game of their Asian tour, with 19 completing 45 minutes. Emi Buendia, Ross Barkley and Brian Madjo scored as Emery’s side continued building fitness and tactical understanding.
The Villa boss believes his squad are responding well despite significant change this summer. ReadAstonVilla also examined why some of Villa’s biggest summer decisions are still to come, with Emery continuing to reshape his group before competitive football begins.
Unai Emery Aston Villa message focuses on new chapter
Speaking to VillaTV after the game, Emery said the Asian camp has been important for integrating new players and improving the team’s structure.
“I am really optimistic,” Emery said. “How we are building the team, how we are with a lot of changes, how we are as well, responding every day.”
The Spaniard also delivered a direct message to supporters, saying Villa are returning with “a new spirit” and will begin a “new chapter” during the 2026/27 campaign.
Emery’s comments come after a summer which has already brought major changes to his squad. Villa are using pre-season to help new arrivals adapt while several players who featured at the World Cup are still being reintegrated.
The official Aston Villa pre-season schedule now takes Emery’s squad to Thailand for a friendly against BG Pathum United before a meeting with Bayern Munich in Hong Kong.
After four summer friendlies, Emery appears increasingly encouraged by how his new-look squad is developing.
