- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Aston Villa are not worried about the future of their head coach Unai Emery amid interest from two big European clubs, HITC understands.
Unai Emery has helped transform Aston Villa since arriving in October 2022.
Villa have backed the former Arsenal manager throughout and brought in compatriot Monchi last summer as president of football operations to further enhance their chances of becoming a force in the Premier League.
Villa have shocked many with their top-four pursuit and are now favourites to finish fourth in the Premier League table this season ahead of Tottenham Hotspur.
Bayern Munich and Barcelona admire Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
HITC understands that Emery’s name has been discussed by European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
Barcelona are looking for possible replacements for Xavi, although as HITC revealed in March, the defending Spanish champions hope that he can be persuaded to stay.
Bayern Munich admire Emery, as well as Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi, but HITC understands that Julian Nagelsmann is now in pole position to return to club management with his former club. We revealed he was looking to move back into club management.
Aston Villa not worried about Unai Emery’s future
However, despite the links, HITC has been told by sources that Villa are “delighted with the progress” made under Emery and have “no doubt” that he is fully committed to the club for the long term.
Emery is tied to Villa Park until 2027, having signed the longest deal ever given to a manager when he quit Villarreal to take charge of Villa.
Villa beat Emery’s former Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League this past weekend.
The Villans are now fourth with 63 points from 33 matches. They are three points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, who are fifth and have played 32 games.
Villa will take on Lille away from home in France in the second leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final tie on Thursday evening. The Villans won the first leg 2-1 at Villa Park last week.