Amadou Onana has explained how the “genius” of Unai Emery has helped take him out of his comfort zone at Villa.
The club’s £50million record signing reckons the manager’s obsession with football has rubbed off on his players as they chase glory both in the Premier League and in Europe.
Onana, who joined Villa from Everton, hailed Emery as the best manager he’s ever had and says the Spaniard’s willingness to push further is what sets him apart.
The Belgium international midfielder told Sports Illustrated: “I’ve never seen anyone as obsessed with football as he (Emery) is.
“I think his entire life is just about football. Sometimes we’ll fly back from European games, when it’s probably 2am and he’ll probably be in his office trying to rewatch the game. I find that fascinating, but I think that makes him the manager he is.
“He’s made me uncomfortable. That’s how you grow faster as a football player, but also as a man.”
Onana was targeted by Manchester United before agreeing to join Villa, with Emery having a big say in his decision.
“I’ve had many managers before. Unai Emery is the best one I’ve ever had,” he continued.
“I could feel in the conversations we had that this guy could take me to the next level. I knew what he was expecting of me and what he could bring to my game that could bring me to where I want to be.
“I spoke to many other managers at the time. This was just the right choice to do at the time. Still is today, by the way.
“We have a great group of human beings, good atmosphere, the fans, the stadium and we have a genius as a head coach. I think that is pretty good.”
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