Emery plays it cool after ally resigns

UNAI Emery insists the departure of Monchi as Aston Villa’s president of football operations “changes nothing” at the Premier League club.

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Aston Villa manager Unai Emery

Monchi played a role in Villa securing Champions League football last season, when they reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual winners Paris St Germain, and the 57-year-old has been described as a key ally of fellow Spaniard Emery.

Villa have moved quickly to fill the gap caused by Monchi's resignation, appointing former Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe.

“We arrived three years ago with the project we did with the club,” head coach Emery said before Villa's opening Europa League tie at home to Bologna tonight.

“Monchi arrived six months after we arrived here. He was very good, but after two years he needed another chapter in his career. I am wishing him the best in his new chapter.