Villarreal haven’t given up hope of retaining manager Unai Emery amid reports he’s set to take over at Newcastle United, president Fernando Roig has told Tuttomercatoweb.
While Emery’s quartet of Europa League winner’s medals are unlikely to count for much in the heat of a relegation battle, there’s a good reason why Newcastle appear to have chosen the 49-year-old Basque over the likes of Paulo Fonseca and Frank Lampard.
Emery’s best work has been done not at Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain but during spells at ‘less fashionable’ clubs.
He guided Sevilla and Villarreal to European glory after all, knocking Manchester United and Liverpool off their perches along the way.
Emery also enjoyed an impressive spell at Valencia, a club that shares things in common with Newcastle – a vociferous fanbase and a proud history accompanied by years of underachievement and unpopular owners.
Valencia finished third in La Liga for three seasons running under Emery – and have rarely troubled the Champions League places since his departure.
Is Unai Emery the man to take Newcastle United to the next level?
According to the Daily Mail, Amanda Staveley is confident a deal can be struck to lure the former midfielder from Villarreal after a series of talks at the weekend. Not that Roig is ready to accept defeat just yet, however.
“Emery is a great professional. I am convinced at the moment he is only thinking about tonight’s game with Young Boys (in the Champions League),” the Villarreal president said.
“I don’t know anything about these rumours about Newcastle. Unai has a contract with us and contracts are made to be respected. I hope he finishes his contract with Villarreal and thinks of nothing else.
“Today and Sunday (Getafe at home), we have two complicated and important matches. I trust in Emery’s professionalism. I have no doubts about him.”
Emery is under contract at Villarreal until 2023 and it’s understood Newcastle would have to fork out about £5 million in compensation.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
