Villarreal president Fernando Roig has fired a dig at outgoing manager Unai Emery by claiming the Spanish side has been left “a bit screwed” by his switch to Aston Villa.
The former Arsenal manager was confirmed as Steven Gerrard’s replacement in the Midlands, after the Liverpool icon was given his marching orders in the aftermath of a shocking defeat at the hands of Fulham last week. Villa agreed to pay the release clause written into Emery’s contract at the Estadio de la Ceramica and negotiations were completed quickly.
While the Spaniard has enjoyed huge success with the club - winning the fourth Europa League title of his career - president Roig could not resist a final jab during his farewell press conference on Tuesday.
Thanking Emery for his efforts, the 75-year-old said: “There has been the termination of Unai's contract on his part. He has fulfilled his contract and therefore we thank him for his effort, his professionalism and his work.
“We have had a great relationship and for that we thank him for his efforts, we understand that he is a professional and therefore he has decided to accept another offer. An option that comes to him because of his work, which is honors. We finished well, but he catches us on the wrong foot in a rare season.
“We appreciate your work, but it is true that it leaves us on the back foot. We wish you the best, it leaves us a bit screwed, but those of us who are here are going to move on. We thank you and we wish you the best.”
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Villarreal have wasted no time replacing Emery and, on Tuesday night, they confirmed former Barcelona boss Quique Setien as their new manager. The experienced coach has joined on a deal until the end of the 2023/24 season.
Meanwhile, Emery is being made to wait for his Aston Villa managerial debut. Due to work permit issues, he will not officially take charge of the side until November 1.
Aaron Danks will remain at the helm for this weekend’s trip to St James’ Park to tackle high-flying Newcastle United, meaning Emery’s first game will come against Manchester United in less than a two weeks' time.
Ahead of taking charge, Emery has claimed that his move is both a “professional and personal decision”. He said: "Here [Villarreal] I have felt something of heart again, but the profession is within me. This one, I have considered that I had to take it, as a sports challenge, as a different project.
"It is a personal and professional decision. I left home at the age of 24 and opened myself up to the professional world of football with all the consequences."
