Rise of the Villans: Inside Unai Emery's Aston Villa Revolution

by Guillem Balagué

'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.

Genres: Football

560 pages, Hardcover

Published December 16, 2025

Reviews

[Simon Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent on Emery before Villa and hits all the key points from his Villa time in the second half.

[Steven Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Edward Lowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[John Libonatti-Roche · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unai in detail

This is just brilliant.
Such a great read and gives great insight into what Unai Emery is building at Aston Villa.

[John Culligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a villa fan i really enjoyed rrading this book.