ASTON VILLA have named Unai Emery as their new manager just days after sacking Steven Gerrard.
The Spaniard, 50, will join on November 1 from Villarreal meaning he will NOT be in the dugout this Saturday against Newcastle.
His first game in charge will be the mouthwatering clash at home to Manchester United on November 6.
The Midlands club are believed to have paid Emery’s £5.2million release clause and after axing Gerrard last week.
The Villans > official site.
It read: “Aston Villa is delighted to announce the appointment of Unai Emery as the clubâs new Head Coach.
“Unai joins from Villarreal, whom he led to Europa League success by beating Manchester United in the final in 2021 as well as the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.
“A highly experienced top level coach who has managed over 900 games, Unai has also previously managed in the Premier League during a spell with Arsenal, leading the Gunners to a Europa League final.
“Unai will take over from November 1st after his work permit formalities are completed.”
Former Arsenal boss Emery agreed to their proposal after being open to a Premier League return with his deal up in the summer.
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He also continued to learn English on his return to his homeland.
The Basque coach joined Villarreal in 2020 shortly after his Arsenal sacking and led the club to their first European title after triumphing in the Europa League.
The club beat the Gunners in the semi-final before defeating Manchester United on penalties in the final.
Emery, 50, turned down the chance to manage Saudi-rich Newcastle last season and continued to lead the Yellow Submarine to the Champions League last four.
Villa were hoping to hold talks with Sporting Lisbonâs Ruben Amorim but would have had to pay his £20 million release clause.
The ex-Portugal midfielder, 37, is one of Europe’s most promising young bosses and has previously interested Chelsea and United after ending Sporting’s 19-year wait to become Portuguese champions.
Maurico Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel were also on the clubâs list of candidates but the former Tottenham and Chelsea bosses are holding out for a Champions League job.
Villa started life without Gerrard by thrashing Brentford 4-0 as interim boss Aaron Danks took charge of the first-team.
The temporary boss Danks called for the club to âcome togetherâ before kick-off after a miserable week – and the the club finally looked united.
A crazy opening 14 minutes saw the Villans score three goals – the same amount scored in Gerrardâs last six games in charge.
