Emery rejects Newcastle approach to stay at Villarreal
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 3 Nov 2021 08:27 CDT
- 3 min read
Villarreal boss Unai Emery has released a statement confirming that he will not move to Newcastle.
Former Arsenal manager Emery had been hot favourite to succeed Steve Bruce at St James' Park, with all the indications on Tuesday pointing towards him taking on the role.
However, in a dramatic U-turn, the Spaniard has confirmed that he will be staying right where he is at Villarreal.
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"For all the noise there was yesterday in another country, inside the club there was transparency and loyalty with the Roig family and with my squad, which is at its maximum and for me is the most important thing.
"Villarreal CF is my home and I am 100 per cent committed. Honestly, I am grateful for the interest of a great club, but even more grateful to be here and that is why I communicated to Fernando Roig my decision to continue being part of this project, thanks to the commitment and respect that I feel from the club and my players, which is mutual and reciprocal.
"I want to thank the fans for the support they have given me always shown me. On Sunday we have a very important game and I hope we can all together get victory. See you at the Estadio de la Ceramica." Emery said.
He had admitted in his post-match comments following a 2-0 Champions League win over Young Boys on Tuesday that he had been in contact with Newcastle but that no formal offer had been made. He also stressed he had taken no decision on his future.
It quickly emerged in Spain, though, that Emery was having second thoughts over the chance to move to Newcastle.
Prominent journalist Guilleme Balague explained why the decision came about.
"Emery felt a huge pressure on the day of their match," he told the BBC, referring to the Champions League fixture.
"And then there was the lack of a clear vision from the club. If you want him, do you approach him in such a rushed way, without an official offer and with it coming out from the English side that it is all practically done?
"Also, the different number and style of the candidates being considered appears to be a sign of a confused vision. That was a concern to some of those involved in conversations with the club hierarchy.
"I don't see this move happening now this season. Maybe next year when the club's structure is clearer and the vision more defined."
What next for Newcastle?
After links with Antonio Conte and Emery, Newcastle will have to move down their list of options.
While Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez has been linked with the post, it is the out-of-work Eddie Howe who is favourite for the post.
The former Bournemouth boss has been out of a job since the Cherries were relegated from the Premier League in the summer of 2020.
