Unai Emery: The Heart of Management Beyond Tactics - Aston Villa's Coach Speaks

Unai Emery's Unique Management Philosophy: From Dice to Development

Unai Emery, known for his meticulous tactics and coaching prowess, has a fascinating anecdote from his early career that stands out. During his first match as a top-flight manager with Almeria in 2007, he decided to roll a dice to determine his starting line-up against Deportivo La Coruna. This unconventional method shocked many, considering Emery's later reputation for detailed planning.

The Dice Incident: Chance or Strategy?

Emery's choice to delegate his squad selection to luck was not merely a gimmick. At Aston Villa's training ground, he explained that the decision aimed to boost his players' confidence. "It was about giving confidence to the players," he stated, highlighting the importance of making every player feel valued and integral to the team's success.

Results Speak: A Successful Debut

Surprisingly, choosing to roll the dice proved effective, as Almeria triumphed 3-0 over Deportivo. The victory set the stage for a successful season, demonstrating that sometimes, unconventional methods can yield positive outcomes. Emery's immediate success paved the way for his move to Valencia, beginning a stellar coaching career marked by multiple European trophies.

Beyond Tactics: The Emotional Side of Management

While Emery is well-known for his intense focus on tactical details, he acknowledges that effective management transcends mere strategies. According to him, the key to successful leadership lies in connecting with players on an emotional level. "You have to get their heart, support and help them, and be demanding,” he said, illustrating his holistic approach to coaching.

Investing in Players' Growth: A Commitment to Learning

Emery's commitment to his players extends beyond the pitch. At Valencia, he took the unique step of buying books tailored to each player's interests. This initiative was not forced upon the squad. Instead, players were encouraged to visit his office if they wished to explore the literary options available.

The Power of Reading: A Personal Touch

For Emery, this initiative was inspired by his own growth through literature after his playing days ended. He explained, "I wanted to help my players a little earlier," referencing how he benefited personally from reading. His library included topics ranging from football philosophy to broader life lessons, illustrating his desire to enrich his players both on and off the field.

Continuing the Legacy at Aston Villa

While Emery has not yet replicated the book initiative at Aston Villa, he remains committed to fostering a supportive environment. He admits, "I believe in every player, and I want them to feel that. My confidence is 100 percent with every player." This philosophy lays the foundation for his team's future success.

The Challenge of European Competitions

Emery faces a demanding schedule at Aston Villa, with the new Champions League format ensuring multiple fixtures. He relishes the competitive nature of such engagements and recognizes the importance of managing player fitness and rotation. "You have to be full of energy," he emphasizes, outlining how critical it is to maintain balance throughout the hectic schedule.

Aiming for Progress: Empowering Potential

Emery's goal is to transform talented players into elite performers. Using Ollie Watkins as a reference, he points to Jhon Duran as the next potential star in his squad. "His potential is there. It is in his body, in his hunger, in his mentality," he notes, underscoring the responsibility he feels to unlock players' capabilities through his dual role as a tactician and psychologist.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey of Unai Emery

From rolling dice to investing in players' personal growth, Unai Emery has seamlessly blended unconventional methods with tried-and-tested strategies throughout his coaching career. His ongoing journey seeks to cultivate not just skilled footballers, but well-rounded individuals capable of thriving both on and off the pitch. Known for his psychological acumen as much as his tactical prowess, Emery's ability to develop players and inspire confidence ensures that luck has little influence on the success of his teams.