Unai Emery has made it clear that the departure of Monchi as Aston Villa’s president of football operations will not disrupt the club’s progress.
Monchi was seen as one of Emery’s closest allies and played a vital role in Villa’s Champions League push last season. The Spaniard helped shape a squad that reached the quarter-finals before falling to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
“We arrived three years ago with the project we did with the club,” Emery said ahead of Villa’s Europa League opener against Bologna. “Monchi arrived six months after we arrived here. He was very good, but after two years he needed another chapter in his career. I am wishing him the best in his new chapter.”
Villa acted quickly to avoid losing momentum. They confirmed the appointment of Roberto Olabe, the former Real Sociedad sporting director, as Monchi’s replacement. Emery welcomed the move with full confidence.
“It is something progressively we were working on after speaking with Monchi. After the window finished we spoke about it (him leaving),” Emery explained.
“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 kick off their Europa League campaign at Villa Park against Bologna on Thursday, aiming to build on their strong European run last season. Emery insists the project remains on track, regardless of Monchi’s departure.
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