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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.
550 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2025
25 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
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 - 3 of 3 reviews