Nearly three years ago, Unai Emery was being sacked by Arsenal, now the Villarreal coach is preparing for a Champions League semi-final against Liverpool.
BBC presenter Gary Lineker has claimed that he has done an ‘absolutely brilliant’ job at Villarreal, including causing some Champions League upsets, as he told Football Joe.
But could another shock be on the cards from the ex-Arsenal boss ahead of his visit to Merseyside and a showdown with one of Europe’s best?
One thing is for sure, the Europa League champions have the credit in the bank to pull off history and help Villarreal reach their first-ever Champions League final.
Regardless of what happens, Emery deserves praise for the job he is doing and the turnaround in his career, as Lineker reacted to a fan’s comments saying he hopes he causes an upset because of the ‘disrespect’ towards him over the years.
“Well, he’s certainly doing an absolutely brilliant job at Villarreal,” said Lineker. “In the Champions League, anyway.
“They haven’t had such a great season in La Liga. But they are in the semi-finals. And I think it would be one of the greatest upsets (if they beat Liverpool).
“Such a tiny town. Obviously, financial backing. But Emery has done an absolutely brilliant job, I totally agree.”
Arsenal have gone backwards since Emery departed by not making any European competition this season.
But, if they secure Champions League football, then it would be a case of taking one step back in order to take two steps forward.
One thing is for sure, there is a young and ever-progressing squad being built in north London.
But, at the end of the day, if it ends in the club not making the Premier League’s top-four, then it will be interesting to see how fans react towards Mikel Arteta.
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