The Holte Roar · https://theholteroar.counterpress.media/news/guillem-balague-interview-knowing-unai-emery-aston-villa-trust-and-saying-i-told-you-so-145533
Guillem Balague interview: Knowing Unai Emery, Aston Villa trust and saying ‘I told you so’
24.09.26, 09:00 Updated 23.09.26, 15:01
Michael Plant
For anyone of an Aston Villa persuasion, Wednesday 20th May 2026 marked the greatest night in a generation. Finally, 30 years after their last cup triumph, silverware had returned to Villa Park.
The Europa League victory in Istanbul was the realisation of the dream Unai Emery sold to supporters when he was appointed head coach in October 2022. From relegation candidates to an elite European side, the 3-0 win over Freiburg provided Villa with something tangible, an indelible, bona-fide marker of success. For Villa, it was another notch on a belt that had lain forgotten at the back of the wardrobe.
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Michael Plant Freelance reporter. Nearly a decade's experience in the media industry and a former Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool club correspondent. A Villa fan from birth, Michael was born in Birmingham but grew up in Belfast.