Aston Villa: Unai Emery to ‘listen’ to Bayern Munich approaches after Xabi Alonso announcement
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery will “listen” to any approaches from Bayern Munich over their managerial position, according to Alan Hutton.
The German giants are on the hunt for a new manager after it was confirmed Tomas Tuchel would be leaving Munich at the end of the season, with Bayern appearing set to miss out on the Bundesliga title at the hands of Bayer Leverkusen.
Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso seemed to be the most likely successor, but the Spaniard has now confirmed that he will be remaining with his current club for at least the next season to lead them in the Champions League.
Reports from German outlet Kicker (21 February) had suggested Emery was on Bayern’s shortlist this summer and while Hutton believes the Villa boss would consider the opportunity, he doesn’t expect him to jump ship at Villa Park.
“I don’t think anybody burns any bridges,” Hutton told Villa News.
“I don’t want Aston Villa fans to get annoyed by this and I’m not saying he’s going to leave, I just mean whoever you are, manager player of whatever, if your agent comes to you and says this top team is looking at you, of course you’re going to listen to it.
“The flip side to that is what he’s done at Aston Villa has been outstanding. He’s changed that club around so quickly. They’re going for the top four, they’re in the Conference League quarter-finals and they’ve got an opportunity to win that. They’re on the rise.
“The owners are willing to back the manager and what he wants, so they’re going to improve year on year. This isn’t just a fluke season and ‘Right we’re not going to try anymore. We’re not going to invest.’
“That’s not the way that this club is moving, they’re moving forward so will he want to leave that for something else when he’s in the middle of something really good where he is, in the Premier League one of the best league’s in the world? I’m not so sure.
“But when you’re talking Bayern Munich and teams like this, of course he’s going to listen.”
Will Unai Emery leave Aston Villa for Bayern Munich after Xabi Alonso’s announcement?
As Hutton suggested, it would be hard for any player or manager to immediately reject Bayern Munich’s interest should it arrive and that will be no different for Emery. That doesn’t mean that he’ll be keen to leave, however.
Villa have shown the Spaniard they’re willing to back him in the transfer market and despite potential PSR concerns at Villa Park, they appear to be ready to spend money again this summer, especially if they qualify for the Champions League.
Hopefully, Bayern will turn their attention elsewhere and pick up a completely different manager this summer and the Villans will be able to prepare for a Champions League campaign under their current boss.
In other Aston Villa news, Hutton believes Villa would “absolutely” be interested in bringing Jack Grealish back to Villa Park this summer
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