Monchi exit ‘changes nothing’ for Emery at Aston Villa

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said the sudden departure of long-time ally Monchi from the Premier League club will not affect his future.

Monchi, who previously worked alongside Emery at Sevilla, left his role as Villa’s president of football operations this week and was swiftly replaced by former Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe.

Villa have enjoyed a meteoric rise since Emery took charge in 2022, qualifying for European competition for the past three seasons and reaching the quarter-finals of last season’s Champions League.

However, they have made a terrible start to the new campaign after a frustrating summer transfer window in which they were hampered by financial sustainability rules.

“Monchi arrived six months after we arrived here. He was very good, but after two years he needed another chapter in his career,” Emery said ahead of Thursday’s Europa League tie against Bologna.

“I am wishing him the best in his new chapter.

“We decided with him and the club to do a normal transition. It changes nothing, only changing the man.

“We reacted quickly by bringing in one person I know personally. I have a lot of confidence with Roberto and he is coming to help us.”

Villa are 18th in the Premier League with three points and only one goal from their opening five matches.

Emery hopes to kick-start his side’s season in the Europa League — a competition he won four times between 2014 and 2021 during spells at Sevilla and Villarreal.

“I told the players, for me, Europe is always a dream,” said the Spaniard.

“To share it with the supporters — two years ago in the Conference League, Villa Park was always amazing. Last year in the Champions League, the same.

“I think the supporters will be excited about this competition as well, like I am. It is another competition to share special moments.”

Emery was unusually scathing of his players’ performance after blowing a lead against 10-man Sunderland in a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

But England defender Ezri Konsa said his manager was right to label Villa’s defending as “lazy”.

“It’s a fair comment. Everyone saw the picture and the goal,” he said. “When your manager doesn’t speak well of you, it puts a bit of fuel into you to prove everyone wrong.”