Aston Villa have appointed Villarreal boss Unai Emery as their new head coach.
Emery, who had a spell as Arsenal’s manager from 2018 to 2019, replaces Steven Gerrard, who was sacked last week.
The 50-year-old begins his new role on November 1. With his work permit formalities completed. His first match in charge will be at home to Manchester United on Sunday, November 6.
The Spaniard will hold a farewell press conference with Villarreal today. He joined the club in the summer of 2020 and led them to glory in the Europa League at the end of his first season.
Emery continued to impress in his second campaign, guiding Villarreal to the Champions League semi-finals for just the second time in their history.
Emery received the sack at Arsenal in his first spell in the Premier League three years ago.
Last year he rejected Newcastle’s approach.
Prior to moving to the Premier League, Emery won a Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain, as well as two French Cups and two French League Cups. He also won three Europa Leagues with Sevilla. Combined with the fourth he won with Villarreal, makes him the most successful manager in the history of the competition.
Gerrard’s exit came 11 months after he moved to Villa Park from Rangers. He led the side to their first Scottish league title in 10 years.
But the former England captain was unable to replicate that success south of the border. He won just 13 of his 40 matches while in charge before his sack. The sack was immediately after Villa’s 3-0 defeat at Fulham last week.
Aaron Danks was handed the job on a caretaker basis and inspired a change in fortunes last weekend when Villa thrashed Brentford 4-0 to record their first win in five matches.
Danks looks set to remain in charge for Saturday’s visit to Newcastle, with Emery arriving three days later.
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