Real Madrid, which has failed to find its footing even after dismissing manager Xavi Alonso (45), sent an urgent rescue signal to Unai Emery (55), manager of Aston Villa (AV), who is creating a sensation in the Premier League.
The British site 'CaughtOffside' reported on the 30th (Korea time), citing Spanish football news outlet 'Football España', that the Real Madrid board recently contacted Emery's agent to probe the possibility of him taking the helm after the season.
Real is currently operating under interim manager Alvaro Arbeloa (43). However, the club has concluded that it needs a proven 'closer' capable of rebuilding the team over the long term.
The reason the Real club has grown urgent is ultimately the results. After Alonso's recent dismissal, Real had hoped for a turnaround, but the outcome was disastrous.
Real suffered a shocking 4-2 defeat to Benfica, managed by Jose Mourinho, in the final match of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) league phase on the 29th, forcing them to hang their heads.
With this defeat, Real failed to qualify directly for the round of 16 and suffered the humiliation of being pushed into the playoffs. Ultimately, this result damaged the pride of the world's top club and prompted President Florentino Perez to take out the proven card of Emery, analysts say.
As his nickname "the king of the Europa League" suggests, Emery has the optimal qualifications Real wants. He led Sevilla to three consecutive Europa League titles (2013–2014, 2014–2015, 2015–2016).
He also led Villarreal to victory in the UEFA Europa League in the 2020-2021 season. Including leading Arsenal to the Europa League runner-up finish in the 2018-2019 season, he has reached the Europa League final five times. He is a commanding figure in short knockout tournaments.
Emery's Aston Villa secured direct qualification to the Europa League round of 16 this season. Aston Villa beat Salzburg (Austria) 3-2 that day to record the same points as first-place Lyon (7 wins, 1 loss, 21 points).
Emery is currently credited with bringing Aston Villa up to third in the league (46 points), a Champions League berth, and his leadership is viewed as having peaked. He is especially seen as the right person to solve the communication problems with star players that had faltered under the Alonso regime.
For Aston Villa, this is like a bolt from the blue. It is a crisis that could cost the team one of its central figures. Real's 'love call' for Emery could completely collapse the club's project. It is unlikely Aston Villa will readily let Emery go.
The key is Emery's will. Emery is currently enjoying full support at Aston Villa and is carrying on his own project. However, Real Madrid's offer to become the "world's best club" may be a temptation hard to refuse.
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