The European Super League has reared its ugly head once again – and Unai Emery has offered his opinion on the latest proposal.
32 months ago, calls for a Super League sparked widespread disagreement as Florentino Perez was effectively attempting to create a closed league full of Europe’s elite clubs.
However, A22 Sports – the company behind the new European Super League – are happy to make it an open competition.
It would feature 64 teams, three divisions (Star, Gold & Blue), promotion and relegation included, 14 games per season for each participating club and two phases (league and playoffs).
Unsurprisingly, such a ludicrous concept has seen all of the ‘big six’, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur reject a breakaway competition and remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions.
Despite occupying third in the table, Aston Villa were pleased to have not been invited and Unai Emery has given his verdict on the proposal.
Unai Emery strongly opposes the European Super League
When asked about his thoughts on the breakaway competition, he told Sky Sports: “I don’t know what I can respond about it because my Super League is Premier League. Of course, I like to play Europe, I enjoy playing Champions League, I enjoy playing Europa League, I enjoy playing Conference League with Aston Villa.
“Sadly, I don’t know why they want to create a new start. I respect everybody and every decision but I can only speak about our way and the competition we are facing. I want to focus on the match tomorrow and I want to play in Europe with Aston Villa”
For Villa supporters, it is refreshing to see their manager responding in such a manner about a proposal that most people are against
He wants to focus on the excellent job he’s doing at Villa Park and lead them into the Champions League.
If his side claims victory over Sheffield United tonight, they will move to the top of the Premier League and that is a massive incentive for his players
When Emery arrived 12 months ago, the serial Europa League winner was faced with an immediate relegation battle, but now he’s transformed them into an incredible outfit who are fighting at the top.
Such a meteoric rise wouldn’t exist in a Super League and it would take away from the true essence of what football is.
Thankfully, Premier League clubs have learned their lessons from 32 months ago when they all agreed to join the initial European Super League, before quickly withdrawing after a backlash.
