Aston Villa hopes to break the trend of getting rid of managers after a season or two of subpar games and results.
A manager always wants to find a team that will keep them for multiple seasons. However, poor results, lack of form, player disputes, and board problems can lead to the sacking a manager pre-emptively. Just look at the number of managers Chelsea FC has gone through in the last three years.
Will Aston Villa keep its word and maintain its manager, or will it move on to someone different, new, or younger? Only time will tell.
Aston Villa Manager Set to Stay
Here’s to you, Unai Emery… pic.twitter.com/ITzTn3veE4
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 23, 2024
Aston Villa has never been a team to compete for EPL trophies every year. Unlike Manchester City, Arsenal FC, and Liverpool, who are continually at the top of the table and compete for the Premier League trophy and Champions League spots, Villa are typically a mid-table team that hopes to finish in the top 7 or 8 spots.
Even with less lofty goals than those Liverpool or Chelsea teams, fans can agree that Villa is realistic. They know their budget, transfer sights, and current players. Being realistic with the current squad, managerial team, and playing style, Villa is a competitive team that often hopes to make it into the top 10 after the end of the season.
And this year has proven to be a fantastic year for Villa. Aston Villa currently sit in fourth place, only 7 points behind the towering giants of Manchester City and six points ahead of Spurs.
Plus, if Aston Villa can hold this top spot that is almost within reach of the ever-elusive big 3 in the Premier League, this will be their first top-four ending to a season for over 20 years. The last time Villa made it into the top four was back in the 1995-1996 season – so none of the current players would still be in the squad.
Lastly, if Aston Villa can manage to keep a hold on their promising spot, they will also qualify for the Europa Conference League semi-finals – bringing them to their first European tournament semi-final competition in over 40 years.
Also Read: Rio Ferdinand Defends Chelsea Manager Despite Their Recent Shocking 5-0 Defeat
Unai Emery Inks a New Deal Until 2027
So, who is the manager in question? Unai Emery, the villa leader, has inked a new contract with the club until 2027. This gives him at least three more years to see if he can continually break into the top five in the Premier League and make Villa more of a consistent threat than in past seasons.
‘We must maintain the hard-working spirit, clever decisions, and coordination with the ownership…ambition already is, and must be, the motto of this project.’
And he surely knows what he is talking about. This isn’t Emery’s first rodeo. He has worked for high-profile clubs in the past, like the French winners Paris Saint Germain and current PL table toppers, Arsenal FC.
Not to mention, his time at the start of taking over this struggling team was anything but peaceful. He took over a squad that was disheartened, disorganized, and in danger of being relegated to the Championship in 2022. Since then, he has managed to inspire the team, bring a new style of play to the club, and lead them to the semifinals of European football competition.
‘We are enjoying our way together with Villa fans, the club owners, management, and this great group of players.’
Looking forward, Villa faces off against Chelsea next weekend – a mid-table battle that is going to be one of the best games of the entire season.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
