Jose Enrique thinks new Aston Villa manager Unai Emery will be ‘regretting saying no to Newcastle’, as he posted on Twitter.
On Monday, Aston Villa, who sacked Steven Gerrard last week, didn’t waste any time in bringing in a new face, as they knocked on Villarreal’s door for Emery.
The 50-year-old, who has previously managed Arsenal in the Premier League, was tipped to make a return to England only last year and now returns in the colours of Villa.
When Newcastle were taken over by their new Saudi-led group last year, after the departure of Mike Ashley, the Magpies were searching for that big name to take to the St James’ Park dugout.
They did knock on Emery’s door, but he opted against making a move and stayed with the La Liga club, who at the time, were in the Champions League – but it’s probably a blessing in disguise given how well it’s gone under Eddie Howe.
Nonetheless, moments before and after Emery was officially announced as Villa’s new boss, this is what former Premier League left-back Enrique had to say about the matter.
BIG MOVE BY VILLA
Emery’s CV speaks for itself and he has a great track record on the European stage, winning four Europa League titles, several trophies in France and guiding Villarreal to the Champions League semi-final last season.
That’s some serious quality the Spaniard has shown during his managerial career, with his only blip coming when he was in the Arsenal dugout.
Whilst Emery’s first aim will be to settle this current Villa squad and show what he is all about, in the long run, it’s all about getting into Europe.
But Newcastle, who haven’t tasted Europe for a long time also, are craving those top-six finishes and they might, in a few years, find themselves battling Villa, if things go well for Emery in the Midlands.
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