Ex-Arsenal coach returns to Premier League

Unai Emery replaces the recently sacked Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa. The Englishmen make use of his exit clause.

English Premier League club Aston Villa have found a prominent successor for team manager Steven Gerrard, who was sacked a few days ago. The Birmingham club confirmed on Monday evening that Unai Emery will take over as coach of the 14th-placed team. According to the statement, Aston Villa will pay the exit clause of six million euros to get rid of the Spaniard from FC Villarreal.

Emery will take up his post on 1 November after final details have been ironed out. Liverpool legend Gerrard took over as Aston Villa coach in November 2021 and was sacked last week after a poor start to the season. English media had also mentioned Thomas Tuchel as his successor.

Emery has already gained experience in the Premier League, having coached Arsenal FC from 2018 to 2019. He also has a stint at Paris St Germain and three consecutive Europa League titles with Sevilla FC (2014 to 2016). Since 2020, the 50-year-old has coached Villarreal FC, with whom he bowled FC Bayern out of the Champions League last season. He also won the Europa League with Villarreal in 2021.