Unai Emery — Aston Villa FC Manager

Unai Emery at Aston Villa

Undeniably, Unai Emery transformed Aston Villa completely. First, the club hired him in October 2022. Previously, the team struggled near the Premier League relegation zone. However, Emery immediately stabilized their performances. Consequently, they finished seventh during his first season. Therefore, Villa qualified for the UEFA Conference League.

Furthermore, his first full campaign proved even better. Specifically, he guided Villa to fourth place. Thus, the club secured Champions League football. Additionally, they reached the Conference League semi-finals. Afterwards, he led them into the 2024-25 Champions League. Remarkably, they reached the quarter-finals that year. Finally, he won the Europa League in 2026. Ultimately, this incredible victory ended a 30-year trophy drought.

Career Before Aston Villa

Before Villa, Emery built an elite reputation. Initially, he managed Spanish clubs Lorca and Almería. Subsequently, Valencia hired him in 2008. There, he achieved three consecutive third-place finishes. Next, he managed Spartak Moscow very briefly.

Meanwhile, his tenure at Sevilla became truly legendary. Specifically, he won three straight Europa League titles. Afterwards, Paris Saint-Germain appointed him in 2016. Consequently, he won the Ligue 1 championship. Additionally, he secured four domestic French cups.

Later, Arsenal brought him to the Premier League. However, the London club dismissed him in 2019. Next, he joined Villarreal in July 2020. Naturally, he won another Europa League title. Moreover, he took them to a Champions League semi-final.

Career History Overview

Major Honours Won

• UEFA Europa League (5): Sevilla (2014, 2015, 2016), Villarreal (2021), Aston Villa (2026)
• Ligue 1 (1): Paris Saint-Germain (2018)
• Coupe de France (2): Paris Saint-Germain (2017, 2018)
• Coupe de la Ligue (2): Paris Saint-Germain (2017, 2018)
• Trophée des Champions (2): Paris Saint-Germain (2016, 2017)