FALSE: Photo does not show the drought situation in Embolioi, Kajiado County, in October 2022
Admin Former Arsenal manager, but now with Villareal Unai Emery on Tuesday confirmed Newcastle United’s interest in him becoming their new manager but says no official offer has been made yet and also he might reject the official offer if made.
Speaking after leading his Villarreal side to a 2-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, Emery said: “There has been an interest from Newcastle and that is all.
“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 the club.”
Earlier on Tuesday Villarreal president Fernando Roig refuted any such links, saying: “I’m sure that his mind is not drifting elsewhere.
“I know Unai has a contract with us and contracts are there to be fulfilled. We hope that we will be able to see that contract through until the end.”
Spanish football expert Guillerme Balague argues that those advising Emery were left feeling uncertain about the club’s strategy, with stories in England emerging that the shortlist was down to him and ex-Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe – two men with contrasting approaches and vastly different levels of experience within European football.
Sources close to Emery indicate he felt the new Magpies ownership lacked a clear vision for the club.
“And then there was the lack of a clear vision from the club. If you want him, do you approach him in such a rushed way, without an official offer and with it coming out from the English side that it is all practically done?
“I don’t see this move happening now this season. Maybe next year when the club’s structure is clearer and the vision more defined.” Said Balague.
Emery, 50, was interested in taking charge of Newcastle following the Saudi Arabia-backed £305m takeover which has made them one of the richest football clubs in the world.
But when he met with Villarreal’s owners, the Roig family, they attempted to convince him to stay. The club’s players did likewise and his family also told him it was not the right time to move to St James’ Park.
As well as talking to Eddie Howe, Newcastle have also held discussions with former Roma manager Paulo Fonseca, but they were hoping to get Emery, the Europa league champion before this weekend, just like what Tottenham Hotspurs did on Tuesday with Antonio Conte.
Newcastle will be away to Brighton and Hove this coming Saturday as they currently lie second last on the log, with only four points accrued from their last ten games so far.
By Shadrack Andenga Odinga
