Jamie Carragher says where Aston Villa ‘should aspire to be’ under Unai Emery this season
Jamie Carragher delivered an optimistic verdict on where Aston Villa should aim to finish the Premier League season under Unai Emery.
Unai Emery started his Aston Villa reign in fantastic fashion, with his side securing a 3-1 win over Manchester United at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.
Now sat up in 13th in the Premier League table, Villa are less than 10 points from the European qualification spots – a finishing position that Carragher views as achievable this season.
Speaking via The Overlap on Youtube, Carragher said: “I think he’s a top manager and I think certain managers are right for different clubs.
“He’s been to Paris Saint Germain and Arsenal and didn’t go particularly well. Whereas, he’s had his success with Valencia, Sevilla, going to Villarreal, these teams that are Europa League teams.
“Villa should aspire to be top eight, almost in Europe, that’s where Villa should be. They’re the biggest club in the Midlands and you’ve got nobody better if you’re going into that competition.”
European expert
There’s no doubt that Aston Villa’s appointment of Emery was a clear statement of intent by the club. Under the new owners, Villa want to become a team regularly competing in Europe, and they now have an elite coach at the helm to achieve that.
Emery boasts a fantastic European record during his time at Sevilla, Villarreal and even Arsenal after winning the Europa League four times and finishing runners-up with the Gunners.
Finishing in the top eight after such a poor start will be a big ask, but it will definitely be Emery’s aim in his first season at the club.
European football not only gives the club more chance at silverware but also increases the pull when it comes to signing new players in the summer. Emery will no doubt be looking to invest in his squad and he’ll want players capable of taking Villa to continental glory.
But it may take time, and fans, players and the board all have to keep patience with Emery as he spearheads the club’s rebuild over the next few seasons.
In other Aston Villa news, The Villans paid a seven-figure compensation fee for Steven Gerrard from Rangers