Aston Villa’s 2025/26 campaign has barely begun, but the storm clouds are already gathering around Unai Emery. And this time, the speculation isn’t coming from the English press — it’s the Spanish media, long familiar with Emery’s career and his relationship with sporting director Monchi, who are beginning to suggest that his time at Villa Park could be edging towards a premature end.
It is less than a year after Emery masterminded Villa’s return to the Champions League for the first time in decades, whilst also just missing out on a fifth placed finish last season on the final day of the campaign. But Emery's recent achievements mean expectations were sky-high heading into the new campaign, yet a poor run of results has turned optimism into doubt. For Spanish outlets close to the coach, it is a worrying sign that Emery may not have the same grip on this squad that he once did.
Familiar voices raising doubts
Estadio Deportivo, a newspaper based in Seville and well-connected to both Emery and Monchi after their years of success together at Sevilla, have been the first to really crank up the pressure from Spain. Their coverage has noted the growing unease around Villa Park and described how the “spark” that Emery carried into the club when he arrived in 2022 now appears to be fading.
This is significant because Estadio aren’t distant observers. They covered Emery’s three Europa League wins at Sevilla, his departures from PSG and Arsenal, and his comeback with Villarreal. They understand his methods and moods better than most. When they report that his project in Birmingham may have hit a wall, it may carry some added weight.
Results fuelling the fire
The timing of these rumours is no coincidence. Aston Villa’s start to the new season has been bitterly disappointing:
- No Premier League wins so far.
- An early Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Brentford.
- A damaging draw against 10-man Sunderland, in which Emery has labelled his own players “lazy.”
These stumbles have created a narrative that Villa’s rise under Emery has plateaued. Where last season was about breaking barriers, playing in the Champions League and qualifying for Europe once again, this season so far has been about stuttering form, poor confidence, and questions over squad cohesion.
Spanish journalists close to Emery believe the Villa project is at risk of unravelling.
The Monchi factor
One of the most interesting details is the Monchi connection. The Spanish sporting director, who built his reputation at Sevilla before joining Villa in 2023, has been Emery’s long-time ally.
If Emery’s position is indeed weakening, it inevitably raises questions about Monchi too — the pair are often viewed as a package deal. If one goes, will the other follow? Or could Monchi stay to oversee a transition into a new era? These are the kinds of debates already playing out in the Spanish press, long before they’ve taken hold in the English media.
Emery's most fragile moment so far
Emery’s time at Villa has already delivered remarkable highs. Champions League qualification was an achievement beyond the club’s recent history, and he restored a sense of ambition to Villa Park. But football is a short-memory business. Without quick results, goodwill evaporates.
Their are whispers that Villa’s board are watching closely — not yet panicking, but not blind to the risks of letting a slide continue. For Emery, the next few matches could be season-defining. A win or two would steady the ship and bring back the feel-good factor; but more setbacks and increased media talk will really start to crank up the pressure.
Emery's story at Aston Villa isn’t over yet. But the fact that Spanish journalists, who have chronicled every twist of his career, are already reporting an “exit scenario” should worry fans and players alike. These are people close to his journey, familiar with his strengths and flaws, and for them to raise alarm bells this early speaks volumes.
For now, Emery remains in the dugout with the backing , but results need to change in the next four games before the next international break.
