Is Time Running Out for Aston Villa’s ‘Almost Man’ Unai Emery?
Aston Villa were knocked out of the English FA Cup this weekend, embarrassingly losing 3-0 to their bogey team, Crystal Palace.
The last time Villa tasted success in the FA Cup was in 1957. The 68-year wait will now continue, and it also means Villa’s only remaining path to European football next season lies in the Premier League. It has been 29 years since Aston Villa last hoisted a trophy, and it appears the fans’ patience is growing thin, not just with the Villa board but, more importantly, with manager Unai Emery.
Following the defeat to Palace, Emery apologized to Villa fans for the manner of the loss but reminded them of the standards set over the last two years:
“Two years ago, when I arrived here, we were in a really bad moment. Everything we are doing is increasing our demands even more than we expected.”
Having managed over 900 games, Unai Emery took charge of Villa in November 2022, with the team languishing three points above the relegation zone in 14th place.
He instantly improved Villa’s fortunes, ending the season with seven consecutive home victories and helping the club secure European football for the first time since 2010 via the Conference League.
The 2023–24 season brought even more success despite the club posting financial losses of £119.6 million. Emery guided Villa to a fourth-place finish — their highest Premier League finish since the 1995–96 season — and secured a Champions League berth for the first time since 1982–83.
Villa fans were full of admiration for the Spanish tactician, now dubbed “one of the best in the world.” The only thing missing was silverware, and the Villa board was prepared to back him.
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Domestic Failures Haunt Emery’s Reputation
Expectations were understandably high heading into the 2024–25 season, especially after the club spent over €184 million on incoming players. Aston Villa were now expected not just to challenge domestically but to compete favorably in the Champions League as well.
Yet with a month remaining in the season, Villa’s current predicament falls far below the standards Emery set.
While highly successful in European competitions — winning the Europa League four times with Sevilla and Villarreal — Emery’s domestic shortcomings have been glaring. Numerous third-round Copa del Rey exits and a runners-up finish with Sevilla in 2015–16 paint the picture of a manager who often falls just short.
Known as an “almost man” in Spain, that tag now seems to follow him to Villa Park. Fans dared to dream of cup triumphs, but the reality has been sobering.
Eliminated twice by Crystal Palace — once in the Carabao Cup and now in the FA Cup — and knocked out by PSG in the Champions League, Villa are currently placed seventh in the Premier League with 57 points.
Champions League qualification for next season, which Emery emphasized as a must after the PSG exit, now appears increasingly unlikely, with only four games remaining and five teams fiercely contesting the spots.
Two years ago, a Europa League berth would have been celebrated. Today, with over £200 million spent and no silverware or Champions League ticket to show for it, expectations are far higher.
The end could be near for Unai Emery — a brilliant “almost manager” who gave Aston Villa belief again, but perhaps has taken the club as far as he can. For Villa, it might soon be time to move on to higher ground.
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