Unai Emery set to reject Newcastle United job

Daniel Brown

“I don’t see this move happening now this season”

Unai Emery is set to reject the opportunity to become Newcastle United manager and will instead remain in charge of Villarreal, claims Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague.

Earlier this week, the Spaniard confirmed that he had been approached by the Magpies, who had hoped to have the former Arsenal boss in charge for their game against Brighton at the weekend.

The 50-year-old is believed to be the club’s first choice to replace the recently departed Steve Bruce, but it is thought that Emery is uncertain about the club’s strategy.

Spanish football expert Balague suggests that Emery’s advisors are concerned about the club’s vision moving forward, but reports in England are stating that Newcastle’s shortlist is down to him and former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe.

“Emery felt a huge pressure on the day of their match [a 2-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League on Tuesday],” said Balague.

“And then there was the lack of a clear vision from the club. If you want him, do you approach him in such a rushed way, without an official offer and with it coming out from the English side that it is all practically done?

“Also, the different number and style of the candidates being considered appears to be a sign of a confused vision. That was a concern to some of those involved in conversations with the club hierarchy.

“I don’t see this move happening now this season. Maybe next year when the club’s structure is clearer and the vision more defined.”

Unai Emery will reject #nufc. He has doubts over the structure/decision making at the club and the leaking of the possible move before an official offer was made caused concern. [Guillem Balague]

— NUFC360 (@NUFC360) November 3, 2021

Following the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle, Emery was reportedly interested in the vacant managerial role and is thought to be flattered by the club’s interest in him.

However, a number of different parties – including Villarreal’s owners (the Roig family), the club’s players and his family – have all attempted to persuade him to remain in Spain.

On Tuesday – the same day that Newcastle are believed to have made their approach for the manager – Villarreal president Fernando Roig stated he was ‘not worried’ about the interest in Emery and was “sure that his mind is not drifting elsewhere”.

“Unai has a contract with us and contracts are there to be fulfilled,” Roig said in a news conference. “We hope that we will be able to see that contract through until the end. I have no doubts about his professionalism in that respect.”

Emery has enjoyed a successful stint in charge of Villarreal, including a Europa League win last season when the Spanish outfit beat Manchester United on penalties in the final in May.

Although ‘Yellow Submarine’ have made an underwhelming start to their La Liga campaign this season, having secured just two wins from their opening 11 games, which sees them sat 13th in the table, the midweek victory over Young Boys moved them level on points with Manchester United at the top of Champions League Group F.

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