Aston Villa’s director of football, Damian Vidagany, has explained why the club has become so successful in recent years.
Villa were still a Championship team in 2019, eventually securing promotion after three seasons in the second tier.
Six years on, Aston Villa have played Champions League football and are competing in the Europa League this year.
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It’s been a remarkable rise, with the Midlands outfit finishing no lower than seventh in the previous three campaigns, and Vidagany has outlined why.
Matt Cash of Aston Villa poses for a picture with Damian Vidagany and Unai Emery
Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
Damian Vidagany praises Unai Emery and Aston Villa owners
The Aston Villa chief recently spoke to Spanish outlet Cadena Ser about the club, highlighting Unai Emery and the club’s owners as driving factors behind their recent upturn.
He said: “Aston Villa’s success is based on Unai’s genius, the resources we have dedicated, and the ownership’s faithfulness to their word.
“At Aston Villa, football is at the centre of the debate and the heart of the activity. If there is no sporting success, a club doesn’t sell tickets or shirts.”
Emery joined Villa in November 2022 on the back of Steven Gerrard’s exit.
The Spaniard delivered a seventh-place finish during his first campaign, before achieving Champions League qualification in 2023/24, and a sixth-place finish last term.
Emery’s previous spell in the Premier League with Arsenal didn’t really work out, but he has become more appreciated for his work in the Midlands.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery celebrates after beating Burnley in the Premier League
Photo by Aston Villa/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
Pep Guardiola praises Unai Emery
After failing to beat Villa once again this past weekend, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola praised Emery.
He said: “They’re a Champions League team. They’re not in it this season, but a top, top team for many years. It is a tough, tough place [Villa Park].
“Unai always sets up good things. It is a really good team. I admire them – they do very good things.”
Midfielder Amadou Onana recently shared a similarly positive verdict on the manager.
As per Birmingham Live, he said: “A lot of professionalism and working in detail. He has such a lot of experience. He knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level. That is what he brings.
“When someone has been four times European champion, it can’t happen by luck. The man has something special, and we all trust him and follow him.”