Unai Emery's brilliant Aston Villa rejuvenation hits new heights with Champions League victory over Bayern Munich
Unai Emery paid his respects to Aston Villa's glorious past while offering up the enticing prospect of a golden future on one of Villa Park's greatest nights.
Villa’s win is the finest moment in Emery’s brilliant rebuild, this European specialist on the sort of territory he enjoys after taking his team into the top four last season. When Villa were searching for Gerrard’s replacement, Emery was on a four-man list with Ruben Amorim, now much-coveted at Sporting Lisbon, Mauricio Pochettino and Julen Lopetegui.
He is the driving force behind Villa's renewal, his imprint all over this win against Bayern, from the fierce defensive organisation to the midfield pressing and a winner on the counter attack, Duran lifting Pau Torres' long pass over the stranded Manuel Neuer.Emery's shrewd strategy also unsettled Bayern, with a more direct approach targeting defender Dayot Upamecano with Ollie Watkins running in behind.
He has brought 23 Spanish coaches into Bodymoor Heath, a sign of Villa's trust and investment in Emery, but he has ensured they have totally integrated with those already there in a calm and welcoming atmosphere. There is mutual respect from all at Bodymoor Heath, an environment fostered by Emery, whose English is said to be much better than some might expect.
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