Why Villa Boss Emery Is More Than Just a Great Tactician
Unai Emery’s early coaching days at Almeria include a surprising story from his first match as a top-flight manager. Before facing Deportivo La Coruna in 2007, he announced he would roll a dice to determine his starting lineup.
This unconventional choice aimed to boost his players’ confidence, showing he believed in their abilities. “This issue in that moment was only about giving confidence to the players,” he explains. “I wanted to send the message to them that I believed in everybody.”
Emery reflects on the outcome: “Yes, it worked. We won 3-0.” This victory helped propel Almeria to an eighth-place finish and set Emery on a successful coaching trajectory.
He emphasizes that management involves more than tactics. “When you are managing people, you have to try to get their heart, get their emotions,” he says.
His approach has even included buying books for players, encouraging them to visit his office for recommendations. “I wanted to take advantage of that experience that I had by trying to help my players a little earlier,” he notes.
Emery, who believes in continuous learning, shares that he reads extensively, balancing emotional challenges during competitive seasons. “I do it to balance myself,” he states.
Although he hasn’t provided books for his Aston Villa players yet, he remains open to the idea: “I did it in Valencia, not yet here, but hopefully I will take time to help them as well.” He still maintains the same core belief: “I believe in every player and I want them to feel that.”
As Aston Villa prepares for a demanding season with multiple competitions, Emery acknowledges the need for squad rotation. “You have to be full of energy,” he explains.
He aims to push his players to maximize their potential, particularly with talents like Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran. “My responsibility, my challenge, is to exploit it,” he affirms.
Emery’s journey from an unconventional start to a successful manager highlights his commitment to developing both players and teams.
