Aston Villa appoints Unai Emery as new head coach following Steven Gerrard's sacking.
Unai Emery, who was Arsenal’s manager from 2018 to 2019 has been appointed to take over for Steven Gerrard after his dismissal last week.
The 50-year-old will begin his new role on November 1 after his work permit formalities are completed, meaning his first match in charge will be at home to Manchester United on Sunday, November 6.
The Spaniard joins from Villarreal, where he led them to the Europa League final in the 2021/22 campaign. Between 2013 and 2016, he won three consecutive Europa League titles in Seville before going on to win a Ligue 1 championship in France, as well as two French Cups, two French League Cups, and two French Super Cups.
Emery thanked Villarreal and the club’s fans for their support during his time at the club in an Instagram statement.
“Villarreal has been my home for the last two years. It was my home, not my club because I felt integrated, identified, and passionate about Villarreal. I have lived in first person the excellence of the project by the Roig family and our beloved Jose Manuel Llaneza.”
The Spaniard will hold a farewell press conference with Villarreal on Tuesday. He joined the club in the summer of 2020 and led them to glory in the Europa League – at United’s expense – at the end of his first season.
