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Rise of the Villans: Inside Unai Emery's Aston Villa Revolution
'BRILLIANT, REVEALS DELIGHTFUL DETAILS ABOUT EMERY' The Times
Featuring exclusive interviews with Unai Emery, Monchi, Morgan Rogers and more, this is the behind-the-scenes account of Unai Emery's Aston Villa revolution, from the award-winning bestseller Guillem Balagué.
In October 2022, Unai Emery was appointed manager of Aston Villa. Despite being one of England's most historic clubs, Emery was taking charge of a team in turmoil and hovering above the relegation zone in the Premier League. But in his very first match, Villa produced a statement victory, deftly beating Manchester United 3-1 at Villa Park. It was a sign of things to come; in his first full season in charge, Emery would lead the club to a top four finish - qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in over four decades.
Guillem Balagué has had unparalleled access to Unai Emery, his backroom staff and the Villa squad ever since the Spaniard was appointed manager in 2022. From growing up in the Basque region to becoming one of the most exciting coaches today, Rise of the Villans reveals the inner workings of Emery's psyche. Guillem takes readers inside Bodymoor Heath to show how Unai has transformed Villa into an exciting side renowned for their direct passing, high energy and devastating counter attacks. At the core of the book are Villa's passionate fans, who outline why they believe club and manager are the perfect match.
With the Holte End roaring into life as Villa Park welcomed the return of European football's most prestigious club competition, it was clear for all to Unai Emery had awoken the sleeping giant.
Featuring exclusive interviews with Unai Emery, Monchi, Morgan Rogers and more, this is the behind-the-scenes account of Unai Emery's Aston Villa revolution, from the award-winning bestseller Guillem Balagué.
In October 2022, Unai Emery was appointed manager of Aston Villa. Despite being one of England's most historic clubs, Emery was taking charge of a team in turmoil and hovering above the relegation zone in the Premier League. But in his very first match, Villa produced a statement victory, deftly beating Manchester United 3-1 at Villa Park. It was a sign of things to come; in his first full season in charge, Emery would lead the club to a top four finish - qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in over four decades.
Guillem Balagué has had unparalleled access to Unai Emery, his backroom staff and the Villa squad ever since the Spaniard was appointed manager in 2022. From growing up in the Basque region to becoming one of the most exciting coaches today, Rise of the Villans reveals the inner workings of Emery's psyche. Guillem takes readers inside Bodymoor Heath to show how Unai has transformed Villa into an exciting side renowned for their direct passing, high energy and devastating counter attacks. At the core of the book are Villa's passionate fans, who outline why they believe club and manager are the perfect match.
With the Holte End roaring into life as Villa Park welcomed the return of European football's most prestigious club competition, it was clear for all to Unai Emery had awoken the sleeping giant.
- GenresFootball
550 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 17, 2026
Brilliant book covering the history and ethos of one of the current great managers and coaches. Unai Emery is a true manager in the modern game as opposed to being a ‘head coach.’ He wants, needs, and performs best when he gets, full control.
This biography is written by the always excellent and extremely knowledgeable Guillem Balaguè. It is clear that Guillem has completed extensive additional research for some truly ‘backstage’ views and information which really bring the story to life. As an Aston Villa supporter, it clearly appeals - reading the highs and the crushing lows where we failed to turn up on big occasions, and how Unai immediately sets about learning from these.
I particularly liked the ‘manager mash up’ that Guillem put together from interviews, comments and excerpts and it adds real colour to the narrative.
Superb book. At least a four star, but as a villa fan, it’s definitely gets 5. Totally brilliant.
This biography is written by the always excellent and extremely knowledgeable Guillem Balaguè. It is clear that Guillem has completed extensive additional research for some truly ‘backstage’ views and information which really bring the story to life. As an Aston Villa supporter, it clearly appeals - reading the highs and the crushing lows where we failed to turn up on big occasions, and how Unai immediately sets about learning from these.
I particularly liked the ‘manager mash up’ that Guillem put together from interviews, comments and excerpts and it adds real colour to the narrative.
Superb book. At least a four star, but as a villa fan, it’s definitely gets 5. Totally brilliant.
March 4, 2026
Highly recommend this book to any villa fan out there or anyone who is interested in how the day-to-day running of a club works with an elite football coach in charge.
UTFV
UTFV
November 16, 2025
Excellent on Emery before Villa and hits all the key points from his Villa time in the second half.
April 21, 2026
In this great book Guillem Balague delivers an unprecedented inside look at one of football's most remarkable transformations. With unparalleled access to Unai Emery, his backroom staff, and the Aston Villa squad, Balague crafts a compelling narrative that goes far beyond the typical football biography.
Balague brings his characteristic depth and insight to this project. His unique relationship with Emery allows him to reveal fascinating details about the manager's methodology, including his legendary 50-minute video analysis sessions and relentless work ethic.
The book chronicles Villa's journey from Premier League strugglers to European contenders under Emery's guidance. Emery's first match began with a 3-1 victory over Manchester United, and it continued with the historic Champions League qualification, which signified Villa's first-ever return to Europe's top competition in the modern era.
What makes this book particularly special is its exploration of Emery's Basque roots and his philosophical approach to football. Balague takes readers on a journey through Emery's formative years, connecting his upbringing to his tactical innovations at Villa Park. The exclusive interviews with key players like John McGinn and Ollie Watkins provide intimate insights into how Emery's methods transformed not just the team's playing style but its entire culture.
The author expertly breaks down Emery's tactical revolution at Villa, explaining how he implemented his signature style of direct passing and devastating counterattacks. This tactical analysis is enriched by firsthand accounts of Villa's remarkable home record and their evolution into one of the Premier League's most formidable teams.
"Awakening the Giant" has the potential to become the definitive account of Aston Villa's modern renaissance. Balague's privileged access and deep understanding of both Spanish and English football cultures allow him to tell this story with unique authority and insight. His exploration of how Emery transformed Villa from relegation candidates to Champions League qualifiers is both thorough and engaging.
For Villa fans, this book will be treasured as the inside story of their club's rebirth. For football enthusiasts in general, it offers invaluable insights into modern football management and the art of institutional transformation. Most importantly, it's a human story about vision, perseverance, and the power of belief.
Balague brings his characteristic depth and insight to this project. His unique relationship with Emery allows him to reveal fascinating details about the manager's methodology, including his legendary 50-minute video analysis sessions and relentless work ethic.
The book chronicles Villa's journey from Premier League strugglers to European contenders under Emery's guidance. Emery's first match began with a 3-1 victory over Manchester United, and it continued with the historic Champions League qualification, which signified Villa's first-ever return to Europe's top competition in the modern era.
What makes this book particularly special is its exploration of Emery's Basque roots and his philosophical approach to football. Balague takes readers on a journey through Emery's formative years, connecting his upbringing to his tactical innovations at Villa Park. The exclusive interviews with key players like John McGinn and Ollie Watkins provide intimate insights into how Emery's methods transformed not just the team's playing style but its entire culture.
The author expertly breaks down Emery's tactical revolution at Villa, explaining how he implemented his signature style of direct passing and devastating counterattacks. This tactical analysis is enriched by firsthand accounts of Villa's remarkable home record and their evolution into one of the Premier League's most formidable teams.
"Awakening the Giant" has the potential to become the definitive account of Aston Villa's modern renaissance. Balague's privileged access and deep understanding of both Spanish and English football cultures allow him to tell this story with unique authority and insight. His exploration of how Emery transformed Villa from relegation candidates to Champions League qualifiers is both thorough and engaging.
For Villa fans, this book will be treasured as the inside story of their club's rebirth. For football enthusiasts in general, it offers invaluable insights into modern football management and the art of institutional transformation. Most importantly, it's a human story about vision, perseverance, and the power of belief.
March 31, 2026
As a Villa fan this book is a tremendous read into learning in depth about our great manager Unai. Covering the first half of the book on his career leading up to his appointment at Aston Villa. Throughly enjoyed reading and learning his coaching traits and what makes him tick. Balagué brings an authentic, balanced and insightful approach into Emery’s life and work. The back half being purely on Villa is all things we know in regards to how history played out. With a deeper contextual understanding. Tremendous read for any football fan who loves coaching philosophies and / or any fans of the Pride of the Midlands. UTV!!!
April 8, 2026
Amazing book! It really does a good job in getting you to know all the facets of Unai Emery and how it reflects on his choices and his character.
Also it provides us with amazing details about the various jobs Unai has done since the beginning of his career and the way he had to evolve and adapt to the different challenges.
When we arrive to the chapters on Aston Villa we are fully into the story of the manager and the detail it provides us about the changes they implement in the club is extraordinary.
One of the best football books I've ever read 🙌🏻
Also it provides us with amazing details about the various jobs Unai has done since the beginning of his career and the way he had to evolve and adapt to the different challenges.
When we arrive to the chapters on Aston Villa we are fully into the story of the manager and the detail it provides us about the changes they implement in the club is extraordinary.
One of the best football books I've ever read 🙌🏻
April 27, 2026
The Villa Revolution
Amazing to read and learn about immense work Unai Emery is doing at Aston Villa. How lucky we are to have him and finally at long last have a truly top tier manager. It was moving to read of Emery's Incredible work ethic, his fearsome desire to win and through it all his decency and humility. If we don't win with Emery, we may as well close the club.
Amazing to read and learn about immense work Unai Emery is doing at Aston Villa. How lucky we are to have him and finally at long last have a truly top tier manager. It was moving to read of Emery's Incredible work ethic, his fearsome desire to win and through it all his decency and humility. If we don't win with Emery, we may as well close the club.
December 25, 2025
I got into a Twitter argument with Guillem Balague once, but fair play to him, this is a brilliant book. My love and faith in Unai Emery was as close as you could get to unwavering but after reading this it’s dogmatic. What a ride!
February 1, 2026
Whilst the book had some great behind the scenes Unai stories that I will remember, the writing and plot was lacking - it seemed unclear what the plan was to begin and end the book. I would have preferred a more balanced view of Unai's personality too
March 1, 2026
An interesting look at Emery as a manager, his successes and the challenges he’s faced in his career. My interest did start to dwindle somewhat towards the back third though. I’m convinced this could be about 200 pages shorter and I’d still have got the message.
Anyway, UTV.
Anyway, UTV.
April 5, 2026
Worth reading again. Guillem Balague is an excellent author and Unai Emery’s journey is a fascinating one.
October 13, 2025
Such high hopes disappointed
A book of two halves. One half brilliant whilst never getting going in the other - so often the case with my beloved Villa. In this case, the truly novel insights were sparse compared with the fluff that packed the book out to its target word count. That said there are highlights and these give fantastic insights into what was, and is, required for a fundamentally good, intelligent man to succeed in the crazy world of football management. I also loved the faux Bodymoor Heath meeting between Unai, Pep et al
A book of two halves. One half brilliant whilst never getting going in the other - so often the case with my beloved Villa. In this case, the truly novel insights were sparse compared with the fluff that packed the book out to its target word count. That said there are highlights and these give fantastic insights into what was, and is, required for a fundamentally good, intelligent man to succeed in the crazy world of football management. I also loved the faux Bodymoor Heath meeting between Unai, Pep et al
October 13, 2025
Unai in detail
This is just brilliant.
Such a great read and gives great insight into what Unai Emery is building at Aston Villa.
This is just brilliant.
Such a great read and gives great insight into what Unai Emery is building at Aston Villa.
November 24, 2025
As a villa fan i really enjoyed rrading this book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews