Simon Jordan believes former Arsenal manager Unai Emery is the wrong man to lift Newcastle United out of the Premier League relegation zone, speaking to talkSPORT (2 November, 11am).
With Thomas Tuchel’s table-topping, Champions League-winning Chelsea out of the way, Emery’s seemingly imminent appointment could coincide with a run of games that can – and should – be described as winnable.
Before taking on an admittedly in-form Arsenal on 27 November, Newcastle face Brighton, Brentford, Norwich, Burnley and a Leicester City side who have fallen short of the sky-high standards they set during Brendan Rodgers’ first two seasons at the King Power Stadium.
‘Winnable’ indeed – even for a Newcastle side that hasn’t tasted success since travelling to Fulham in May.
And while Emery will arrive at St James’ Park with an enviable CV, his collection of Europa League winner’s medals will count for nothing in the midst of a relegation dogfight.
The former Arsenal, PSG, Valencia and Sevilla boss is used to life at the other end of the table, even if he has often done his best work at ‘underdog’ clubs.
Is Unai Emery the right man for Newcastle United?
“I thought (Emery) was given an unbelievably hard time at Arsenal. I think the media piled (in) and took away from some of the things he was achieving on the pitch,” says former Crystal Palace owner Jordan.
“It was an unbelievably difficult job to follow Arsene Wenger and I think he’s proven himself to be a very formidable manager.
“(Emery) has won tournaments. I think he’s a decent manager – but I do not think he’s a fit for Newcastle United.
“Who wants to take this job knowing they’re (possibly) a makeweight in a bigger picture?
“The challenge for Newcastle is that, with this embarrassment of riches, they’re gonna be victims of their own success.
“Everybody knows this is going to be a project for someone to take over and build even bigger. You want someone to deal with the here and now – and the here and now is a relegation battle.
“If they turn the year on less than 14 points, they’re gonna get relegated. They need somebody who’s a relegation specialist.”
According to the Daily Mail, Amanda Staveley is confident a deal can be agreed to lure Emery from Villarreal in the next 48 hours following a series of Zoom calls at the weekend.
It’s understood Newcastle would have to pay about £5 million in compensation to buy Emery out of his contract on the Castellon coast.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
