Unai Emery has admitted he is "worried" at the start of every season as Aston Villa manager, but he insists this summer is different because of the "intelligent" business the club is conducting. Despite losing several key players, the head coach remains positive ahead of the new campaign, which kicks off with a home match against Manchester United.
A summer of significant departures
Villa have sold a number of first-team regulars over the past six weeks, including Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa. Ollie Watkins could also leave in the coming days, while Emi Martinez's future remains uncertain. In addition to the player exits, Emery has lost three members of his backroom staff: assistants Pako Ayestarán and Antonio Rodríguez Saravia, as well as set-piece coach Austin MacPhee.
Despite the upheaval, the club has been active in the transfer market. Johan Manzambi, Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Gomes were joined by more recent arrivals Matteo Ruggeri, Zion Suzuki and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The transfer window remains open until September 1, giving Villa time to further shape the squad.
Emery's honest admission
Speaking ahead of the season opener, Emery reflected on his recurring pre-season anxiety: "I was worried three years and a half ago when I arrived here. We were playing the first match at Manchester United at home. I was so, so worried." He also recalled being worried two years ago and last year, when Villa started with a home draw against Newcastle and the transfer window closed without the club working as they had wanted.
"I was worried when we played five matches in the Premier League and we didn't win. I was worried, and I am worried now. Of course, I am worried, like in the last three years I was worried," he said. The Spaniard explained the reason for his concern: "Because everything I want to try to close like we are planning, but we are working strong. We are working intelligently. We are working more than normal in the transfer window, and we are doing things, being responsible, and we are doing things not losing our ambition."
A positive outlook despite uncertainty
Emery struck a balanced tone, acknowledging his worry while expressing confidence in the club's approach. "I am worried. Yes. I am positive. Yes, how we are going to start the season in the ambition we can have. The same as last year when I was worried. The same as two years ago when I was worried. The same like when I arrived here, I was worried. And then it's time to work."
Villa begin their Premier League campaign at home to Manchester United on Saturday, with the transfer window still open for another week. The club's ability to integrate new signings and manage the departure of key players will be tested immediately.
