Paul Lambert has told Sky Sports that he thinks Unai Emery is a “brilliant manager” despite his “sticky” spell at Arsenal after Aston Villa appointed the Spaniard on Thursday evening – luring him back to the Premier League from Villarreal.
Emery, 50, has joined Villa as a replacement for Steven Gerrard after the latter was sacked on Thursday night. The club suffered a 3-0 defeat to Fulham, prompting the Villa board to move. Since then, Villa have beaten Brentford 4-0.
Aaron Danks took control and guided Villa to a wonderful result on Sunday. Danks will remain in charge for the trip to Newcastle this weekend, with Emery taking over from November 1. It is seen as a coup for Villa, given Emery’s stature.
That, and he rejected Newcastle before the appointment of Eddie Howe. Ex-Villa boss Lambert gave his verdict on his old club bringing in Emery – branding the Spaniard as a “brilliant manager” but urged Villa to back him financially.
“He’s a brilliant manager no matter what you say, he had a sticky time at Arsenal. What he’s done in Europe has been phenomenal. There’s a big expectancy level at Villa,. If you don’t win games, you know exactly what is going to happen.
“He’s not a novice, he knows the game. The lure of Aston Villa and the size of the club would have made it an easy decision for him. He will have to get the lads on side, the board will have to help him – and give him finances.”
Emery appointed Villa manager: Lambert thinks he is brilliant
It is a superb move from Villa. While they had been rejected by Thomas Tuchel according to L’Equipe, they have still managed to bring in a manager of huge European pedigree. A gaffer that has won the Europa League four times.
Emery will give Villa a manager that has the lure of some of Europe’s top players. He enhances their chances of breaking into European football – perhaps not this season, but next. He will make them hard to beat, too.
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