The midfielder has hailed Emery one of the best managers in the world ahead of Villa’s return to Europe this week, according to the latest Aston Villa news.
Ivan Rakitic of Sevilla has referred to Aston Villa manager Unai Emery as ‘one of the top managers in the world’ while discussing his experience working under the Spaniard.
During their time together at Sevilla, Emery handled the Croatian international. He appeared 75 times in all competitions for the boss before joining Barcelona in the summer of 2014, after winning the Europa League with the club.
Rakitic, who has returned to Sevilla following a six-year stint at Camp Nou, has heaped admiration on the Villa manager. He has also made a ‘fantastic’ forecast for the team under Emery’s leadership.
“Because he did it again at Aston Villa last season, and so many times – I just have to congratulate Villa on having possibly one of the best coaches in the world.”Unai is a man who lives his life… I don’t want to say ‘job,’ because I don’t think he sees it that way. This is his universe. He lives football 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
He is able to communicate a great deal to his teammates. “He’s one of the most important coaches I’ve had.” “It’s a shame I only had him for one and a half years, because he’s a coach to enjoy every moment, every training session.” I was honored to work with him on such monumental projects, and best wishes to Villa for the future.”
Emery and Villa return to European action this week, when they face Legia Warsaw in Poland in the first round of the Europa Conference League. Following West Ham’s victory last season, Villa are the bookmakers’ favourites to win the entire championship.