Aston Villa 1-0 Bayern Munich: Brilliant Unai Emery’s Villa revival hits new heights
Emery’s shrewd strategy also unsettled Bayern, with a more direct approach targeting defender Dayot Upamecano with Ollie Watkins running in behind. He was also aware of Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer’s habit of playing as a sweeper keeper, which led directly to Duran’s goal. The ploy worked to perfection.
Mention what Emery brings and one Villa insider told BBC Sport: “Attention to detail. An incredible work ethic. Down time does not exist as far as Unai is concerned. He is incredible and he is getting the rewards that work ethic deserves. He also respectful to everyone at the club and very popular.”
Emery arrives around 8am at Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training HQ and staff using the gym at the centre are used to the sight of the manager arriving at 8.30pm after finishing at his desk, gathering details on his iPad while on the exercise bike before even making notes while using the rowing machine.
He turns to his laptop once the formalities of a game are completed, sitting at the front of Villa’s coach focusing immediately on the next match, the next opponent.
He has brought 23 Spanish coaches into Bodymoor Heath, a sign of Villa’s trust and investment in Emery, but he has ensured they have totally integrated with those already there in a calm and welcoming atmosphere. There is mutual respect from all at Bodymoor Heath, an environment fostered by Emery, whose English is said to be much better than some might expect.
Emery, who was joined by long-time associate in Monchi, who was with him at Sevilla, as president of football operations while the appointment of the experienced Pako Ayestaran as his right-hand man was an ideal choice.
Ayestaran was Rafael Benitez’s assistant when he enjoyed early success winning the Champions League and FA Cup at Liverpool. It was never quite the same at Anfield after he left, perhaps no co-incidence as the 61-year-old is a personable and highly-respected figure with great knowledge of the Premier League and the game in general.
Emery, who also has the trusted Damian Vidagany at his side, was not afraid to keep members of Gerrard’s staff, such as the outstanding set-piece coach Austin MacPhee, a workaholic in the mode of his manager.
He identifies quality and nurtures it, especially in players, who are helped by relentless and specific video analysis, with Ollie Watkins a particular beneficiary.
Emery is also getting the best out of the unpredictable maverick Duran, albeit as a substitute. He needs careful handling and the manager has proved adept in this area.
Since his first weekend in charge on 5 November 2022, Villa have the fifth most wins and fifth most home wins in the Premier League, with only Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal ahead of them.
Bayern certainly know all about Emery’s European expertise. They had not lost a game in the group stage since September 2017 when they were beaten 3-0 by Paris St. Germain. Their coach? Unai Emery.
Emery and Villa now have six points from their two opening Champions League games against Young Boys of Switzerland and now Bayern – and under his expert guidance few will relish this environment under this coach.
