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.