Aston Villa appoint Unai Emery as Head Coach

Aston Villa have announced that Unai Emery will take charge as Head Coach from November 1, replacing the sacked Steven Gerrard. 

Emery emerged as the frontrunner for the job since Gerrard's departure last week, with Villa swiftly moving to buy the Spaniard out of his contact with Villarreal. Emery led the Yellow Submarine to Europa League glory in 2021, beating Manchester United in the final. He then took the La Liga side to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.

Emery has Premier League experience, having previously managed Arsenal between 2018 and 2019. He led the Gunners to a Europa League final in 2019, which his side ultimately lost to Chelsea.  

Emery also enjoyed success at Sevilla and at Paris Saint Germain. With the former, he won three successive Europa League titles between 2013 and 2016 before going on to lift a Ligue 1 championship in France as well as two French Cups, two French League Cups and two Trophée des Champions.

Emery's elite experience and previously experience coaching in England were crucial assets in Villa's hunt for a new manager, and he will be tasked with taking the club into European competition in seasons to come.