Atletico Madrid News
Premier League manager harbours ambitions of coaching Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Atletico
Speaking in an interview with AS, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has admitted that he has ambitions of coaching the three elite clubs of Spain – Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Atletico Madrid.
Emery carved out a name for himself in the footballing world for the work he did at Valencia and Sevilla. Following that, the 51-year-old managed giant clubs like PSG and Arsenal before returning to Spain with Villarreal, whom he led to the UEFA Europa League triumph (2020/21) and the Champions League semi-final (2021/22).
Midway through the ongoing season, though, Emery decided to leave Villarreal to take over at Aston Villa, where he has once again done a tremendous job, taking a team that was 17th when he arrived to 5th in the Premier League table.
Emery did face some criticism for his decision to leave Villarreal to join Aston Villa this season. But explaining his decision, the 51-year-old insisted that the next step for him in Spain would be to coach one of Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Atletico, but making that leap is complicated.
“It’s really quite natural. All of us need to go in search of challenges at some time or another. I have been fortunate enough to have been at three top-level clubs in Spain: Valencia, Sevilla, and Villarreal,” he said.
“Obviously, I am very grateful for that, but then the next step in Spain would be to coach Atlético, Madrid, or Barça… But breaking through that barrier comes with a lot of difficulties.
“The Premier League has given me the chance to continue growing. Of course, Sevilla, Villarreal, and Valencia did that too, but here, I am confronted with new difficulties,” he added.
As Emery points out, it is not easy to land the job at high-profile clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Atletico Madrid. And while he may have ambitions of that being the next step in his career in Spain, an opportunity might not be forthcoming anytime soon.
Real Madrid have Carlo Ancelotti in their hotseat and if he were to leave, it seems like Zinedine Zidane would be primed to return for a third stint.
At Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone remains a fan favourite and has turned things around after a difficult start to the season. So, there are unlikely to be any changes there anytime soon either. As for Barcelona, they are building a project with Xavi at the helm.
So, Emery may have to wait a few more years for his next step in Spain. But if he continues to do as well as he has been doing at Aston Villa, big clubs will come calling sooner rather than later.
Atletico Madrid News
UEFA open investigation against multiple Real Madrid players over celebration vs Atletico
More than two weeks after Real Madrid’s controversial win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16, UEFA has sent quite the shockwave to the defending European champions.
In a recent statement, UEFA has announced they have started an open investigation against a series of Real Madrid players for the way they celebrated after winning against Atletico Madrid, about two weeks back.
What is the investigation about?
As reported by MARCA, the European governing body is specifically looking into the actions of Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos, and Vinicius Jr.
The controversy stems from Real Madrid’s celebrations after knocking out city rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
The celebrations took place near the section of the stadium occupied by Real Madrid supporters, but some actions by the players have drawn scrutiny.
“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez and Vinicius Junior) during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match between Club Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid on 12 March 2025,” UEFA said in an official statement.
Rudiger is being investigated for a gesture in which he placed his hand around his neck, while Mbappe reportedly made an inappropriate gesture by touching his genitals.
Vinicius, on the other hand, was involved in heated interactions with Atletico fans both before and after the match, while Ceballos was seen enthusiastically joining the celebrations.
The celebrations from Real Madrid players drew hostility from Atletico Madrid fans for obvious reasons, with the opposition fans resorting to throwing bottles on the pitch.
Jude Bellingham was even among the ones hit by these throwing objects from Atleti fans while Vinicius pointed to the Real Madrid crest on his shirt, which might have played a role in further fuming tension.
Rodrygo, on the other hand, responded to the hostility from Atleti fans by dancing inside the pitch.
UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to review the incidents, although it is very much likely that Real Madrid would appeal against any sanctions placed on the event of any breach.
