Martin O’Neill shares honest verdict on Unai Emery amid recent Aston Villa discontent
Aston Villa have not started the season in the way most expected, with a 3-1 win over Fulham at the weekend their first of the season.
Unai Emery has come under scrutiny after Villa’s slow start, with talk surrounding his future at the club.
The win over Fulham at Villa Park on Sunday proves they can still find the back of the net, after going goalless through the first four Premier League games.
Emery hopes this win has given his players their confidence back ahead of a long season, with former boss Martin O’Neill now having his say on the Spaniard’s future.
Martin O’Neill backs Unai Emery
Unai Emery has done wonders for Aston Villa, taking them back to the promised lands of the Champions League. An underwhelming start to the season has caused rumours surrounding his future.
Giving his verdict on talkSPORT on Monday, O’Neill backed Emery as he said: “I’ve got a lot of time for the manager… he’s got plenty in the tank, in the sense of what a great season last year, and before that, a referee’s indecision away from being in the Champions League.
“There’ll be a lot of frustration around Villa Park because of the standards they’ve set and they’re not meeting those.”
Fans at Villa Park have had some amazing memories since Emery’s arrival, including a season in the Champions League that saw them reach the quarter-final of the competition.
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Aston Villa’s chance for European glory
Under Emery’s management, it’s hard to see Villa go down, and with his track record in the Europa League, fans can expect a shot at European glory.
The Spaniard has won the tournament an impressive four times, three with Sevilla and one with Villarreal.
Aston Villa have not tasted European trophy since 1982, meaning it would be a mistake to offload Emery, who has had his name on the trophy more than any other manager.
After their first league win on Sunday, it is more than likely that Villa will push on even more with a win against Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday.
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