Former Aston Villa man has admitted that he is “astonished” at the impact on man has had since he joined the club.
Villa Park has a real feel-good factor around the place this season. After being in a relegation fight at the start of last season, Villa are on the cusp of Champions League football and are the favourites to win the Europa Conference League.
Many factors have been significant to this dramatic turnaround. However, one that cannot be disputed is the arrival of Unai Emery.
The manager came into the club midway through last season and has broken multiple records so far in his tenure.
James has now taken the time to praise Emery for how quickly he has turned things around at the club and made them into a European outfit once more.
Unai Emery is a ‘top manager’
Despite a less-than-successful spell at Arsenal, Emery has always achieved at each of his clubs.
In Spain, he has lifted a combined four Europa League titles at both Sevilla and Villarreal. While in France, he won numerous trophies with PSG.
Now, James told Lord Ping that Emery has once again proved himself to be a ‘top manager’
“I think Emery’s impact at Aston Villa has been astonishing,” he stated. “When you look at what happened to him at Arsenal, you would argue that his stock was seriously damaged after that experience. He came in with all of the credentials, and it didn’t happen for him.
“He’s gone to Villa and stayed true to his beliefs. Villa are in fourth and eight points off the top of the table, that is spectacular. Ollie Watkins is playing brilliantly. Douglas Luiz has been wonderful as has John McGinn. In fact, the one player that hasn’t been doing as well as last season from a stats POV is Emi Martinez. They are up there fighting, and the manager is top drawer.”
Unai Emery finally getting the respect he deserves
Despite the success of Villa this season, what Emery has done has seemingly gone under the radar.
The club seem all but certain to secure Champions League football, especially if England are granted a fifth spot.
By the end of the season, Villa could and perhaps should be in the Champions and have the Europa Conference League trophy.
This would arguably make the club the biggest overachieves this season, yet Emery has received little recognition.
He could arguably win Manager of the Season for his efforts and hopefully, more pundits come out and praise the Spaniard in the near future.
