Emery rejects Newcastle over Howe interest, Man City concerns
Unai Emery will turn down the chance to manage Newcastle United for a number of reasons, according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.
Newcastle had identified Emery as their first-choice candidate to permanently replace Steve Bruce after a long process which narrowed the shortlist down to the Spaniard and Eddie Howe.
Reports from well-connected journalists in the north east suggested that the interest was mutual and Emery could even take over before the weekend’s game with Brighton.
But Spanish football expert Balague has taken to Twitter to confirm that Emery will be staying with Villarreal, despite their poor start in La Liga.
‘Emery will reject the approach from Newcastle,’ he wrote. ‘His doubts after the game had to do with not knowing the latest. And the latest – I think – was an unnecessary huge pressure on match day and not a clear vision from the club.
‘What does Eddie Howe have to do with Unai, for instance?
Not sure what is happening now. @CraigHope_DM says it's pretty much on whilst @GuillemBalague has said Emery will reject the offer…..
Nee idea who's got the correct info. Time will tell i suppose. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/u8YXCEP4NS
— Geordie_Down_Under85 (@GeordieInOz85) November 3, 2021
‘To build a club with the money available to Newcastle you need to bring a manager that will have total power to create the necessary structure to win regularly. I feel those in charge now don’t have that experience and want to be the ones taking decisions.
‘Manchester City brought the best people in each department. At the moment that is not happening at Newcastle. If you want Unai, do you approach it in such a rushed way, without an official offer and leaking that it is all practically done?
‘That is when a manager is at his strongest, and I feels there’s too much emotion and not enough logical and calm approach at the club. Imagine what would happen if things go wrong.
‘I don’t see this move for Emery happening this season. Maybe next campaign when the structure is clearer and the vision more refined/defined, Newcastle will get more yes instead of noes from top managers as it has happened with Xavi, Conte, Low and others.
‘Let me add a couple of things more. Emery sounded reticent about his future just after the game as he did not know the latest. Then he was told about leaks, pressure and, after originally being very interested in hearing more, decided to stop it all.
‘His family, friends and players told him to stay. The club insisted he is building a squad to his image and has everyone’s respect. A not so good start in La Liga changes nothing
‘At the end, we all want to be where we are loved and respected.
‘So this is not considered a negotiation ploy. Unai remains at Villarreal in a project he is hugely enjoying.’
Villarreal president Fernando Roig said that he had “no doubts about Unai’s professionalism” when asked about the reports. Emery himself was quizzed over the speculation following a 2-0 Champions League victory over Young Boys.
“There has been an interest from Newcastle, that is all,” he said. “No offer yet, which will have to be to me and to the club. There is nothing else. Before saying yes or not, I will talk to club.
“I have not said ‘no’ to Newcastle. If this gets confirmed I will talk to Villarreal directors about it. I can’t add anything else.”