$Former Aston Villa star praises Unai Emery for club\'s European rise$

Former Aston Villa star praises Unai Emery for club's European rise

Fri 01st May, 2026 21:43

Former Aston Villa winger Albert Adomah has heaped praise on manager Unai Emery, crediting the Spanish tactician for the remarkable turnaround at his former club.

In an exclusive interview with Flashscore, the 38â€‘yearâ€‘old Ghanaian admitted he still feels a strong attachment to Villa despite leaving after their 2019 promotion. He reserved special praise for the man who has overseen the club’s return to Europe’s elite.

"Aston Villa are doing amazing," said the current Walsall wideman. "Emery has been doing extremely well with them since he took charge and got them into the Europa League and Champions League. The club has excelled since they got promoted from the Championship, and hopefully that may continue."

Emery has made a habit of European success, reaching the Europa League semiâ€‘final seven times in his career â€“ more than any other manager. Under his guidance, Villa have not only re-established themselves in the Premier League but have also become a regular force on the continent.

Adomah, who now holds the record for the most EFL appearances for six different clubs, lives locally in Birmingham and says Villa remain close to his heart. "I always keep an eye out for them. I try to watch some of their games when I can, and I always look out for the results," he said.

His split loyalties will be tested as Villa face another of his former sides, Nottingham Forest, in the Europa League semiâ€‘final. Forest currently sit just one point above the Premier League drop zone yet have navigated a memorable European run.

While acknowledging the difficulty of the situation, the 38â€‘yearâ€‘old insists the dynamic of knockout football makes league standing irrelevant at this stage. "In a cup, it doesn’t matter if you’re the best team; anyone can win," he said. "They will be thinking about the cup. There’s a chance to win a trophy, and then after they’ll be thinking about survival mode."

When pressed for a winner, however, the exâ€‘Black Stars man could not hide his feelings. "I’ve played for both clubs, so I don’t know who I want to win," he admitted. "But I prefer Aston Villa to win, if I’m honest."

The twoâ€‘legged tie will determine who advances to the Europa League final in Istanbul on 20 May.

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Former Aston Villa star Unai Emery gets praise for European success

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