Unai Emery’s tough management style on one Aston Villa player could now be reaping the rewards.
The Spaniard is known for his immense attention to detail. No stone is left unturned tactically before he departs Bodymoor Heath every evening.
The 52-year-old deserves immense credit for how he’s managed to transform Villa into a credible top-four contender.
Emery’s man management also deserves attention. He demands the highest of standards. Anything less won’t be accepted.
His demands have seen the likes of Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, and Leon Bailey reach new heights. No one could have predicted McGinn would operate effectively in a wide position. Watkins was certainly an impressive forward under previous management at Villa Park, but nowhere near his current level as one of England’s elite.
Finally, Bailey’s first season under Steven Gerrard was far from ideal. Yet, the Jamaican has been transformed in the 2023/24 campaign.
Emery’s man-management skills are clearly top-class. And now the Spaniard could be working his magic on another one of Villa’s attackers.
Unai Emery tells Aston Villa star he’s a ‘Championship’ player, it clearly works
One of Aston Villa’s players has now spoken out on Emery’s harsh treatment since his switch to Villa Park.
Morgan Rogers completed his move from Middlesbrough for a reported £15million in January, and the 21-year-old has now opened up on Emery’s influence.
He told The Athletic: “He likes to mention I’m a Championship player a lot. “That’s the relationship we have. He’s trying to push me because he wants me to get to that level and it’s about showing me I can. It’s not a negative thing — no way. It’s motivational.
“If I’m not 100 per cent at the level, he will be the first to let me know. I wouldn’t want to change that. I feel I’m getting better, and I’m so happy with the relationship we’ve got.”
Emery’s Morgan Rogers treatment has already reaped rewards
Rogers has adapted exceptionally well to life in the Premier League and has been gradually phased into Emery’s plans.
His 45-minute outing against Ajax has been followed by four consecutive starts for the Villans.
- 63 minutes v West Ham United
- 63 minutes v Wolverhampton Wanderers
- 90 minutes v Manchester City
- 68 minutes v Brentford
His goal against Brentford demonstrated his raw ability. His touch and close control are impressive for such a physically dominant player.
Looking at the fixtures above, 90 minutes against Manchester City would have done wonders for his development regardless of the result. In what is his first taste of Premier League football, testing himself against Europe’s best is exactly what’s required.
He now knows what Emery expects of him and what’s required to succeed at Villa Park.
The post Emery's harsh treatment of 'Championship player' has already reaped rewards for Aston Villa - opinion appeared first on Aston Villa News.