How Aston Villa feel about Unai Emery's future amid behind-the-scenes unrest
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(Credit: Imago)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Fri 26 September 2025 19:45, UK
Unai Emery’s position as Aston Villa boss has been questioned in recent weeks following a dismal start to the season and major backroom reshuffle.
Villa have failed to win any of their opening five Premier League games of the season and have scored just once, leading to questions about their decline in form.
Monchi’s departure from Villa Park has also called the manager’s future into question given their strong relationship, with speculation continuing about the potential impact of his exit.
Emery laughed off questions about his future at Aston Villa in the wake of their 1-1 draw against newly-promoted Sunderland despite the building pressure.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s dressing room are still backing Emery despite his recent criticisms of their performances, as they aim to turn around their disappointing start.
Credit: Imago
Despite the growing pressure on Emery’s position, there is currently no expectation that he is under any growing pressure from the board at Villa Park.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Villa feel they are “very lucky” to have Emery at the club given his track record and pedigree.
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That is despite their dismal start to the season on the pitch and recent changes behind the scenes, with Emery still seen as the main man behind the scenes.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Emery still is the main man at Villa.
“Villa know themselves, they are very lucky to have Unai Emery at the club.
He’s a top manager who has got a proven pedigree of success in Europe.
“Maybe the timing of Monchi’s departure was more surprising than anything else, he obviously has a big impact working with Emery over the last couple of years.
Credit: Imago
“There’s a bit of doom and gloom around because of Villa’s start to the season, only scoring their first goal in that 1-1 draw with Sunderland and sitting 18th in the Premier League.
“I don’t think anybody would have expected that with Villa yet to pick up a win.
“It’s been a disappointment on the field, but I don’t think Emery will be effected, he’s still the main man calling the shots and Villa are hopeful he can turn things around on the pitch.”
Despite their poor star, Villa’s hierarchy are still hopeful of a strong season, having kicked off their Europa League campaign with a 1-0 win against Bologna.
Former Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 22 September that Emery is facing “major concerns” at Aston Villa with key players thought to be unhappy.
Speculation about players’ futures has emerged as a cause for concern, with a number of players said to be unhappy behind the scenes including Emiliano Martinez, John McGinn and Ollie Watkins after a difficult summer transfer window.
Uncertainty surrounding the three star players has directly contributed to their poor start, with the lack of clarity at Villa Park leading to growing unrest.
Brown told Football Insider that Emery has been placed in a very difficult position attempting to galvanise his squad following a dismal start to the season.
Despite the unrest, however, his position is not believed to be under pressure as he is being backed to turn around their fortunes and resolve any lingering concerns.
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