Unai Emery: Turning Around A Losing Team by Mark Wager

Unai Emery: Turning Around A Losing Team

By Mark Wager

This article is an excerpt from my book, Leadership Lessons from the World’s Top Football Managers, where I explore the strategies and insights of football’s greatest minds, including Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola, and Jürgen Klopp. If you enjoyed this chapter, you can get access to the full book and exclusive leadership content by checking out my Patreon page. By joining, you’ll not only receive the book but also exclusive articles, behind-the-scenes insights, and much more to help you level up your leadership game.

Unai Emery, a seasoned Spanish football manager known for his tactical acumen, has had an illustrious career managing top clubs across Europe. Born on November 3, 1971, Emery gained prominence with successful stints at Sevilla, where he won three consecutive UEFA Europa League titles, and at Paris Saint-Germain, where he secured multiple domestic trophies.

In November 2022, Emery took the helm at Aston Villa, a club with a rich history but struggling to find consistent success in recent years. His appointment marked a turning point for the team. Emery’s strategic prowess and ability to develop players quickly transformed Villa into formidable contenders in the Premier League.

Under Emery’s leadership, Aston Villa experienced a remarkable resurgence. His emphasis on a solid defensive structure, combined with a dynamic and flexible attacking approach, reinvigorated the squad. Emery’s meticulous preparation and in-game adjustments were instrumental in Villa’s consistent performances throughout the season.

The pinnacle of Emery’s tenure at Aston Villa came in the 2023-2024 season when he guided the team to a top-four finish in the Premier League, securing a coveted spot in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 42 years. This achievement not only underscored Emery’s tactical brilliance but also revitalised the club’s status on the European stage.

Unai Emery, the esteemed football coach, offers a plethora of leadership lessons that transcend the boundaries of the sport. His journey from managing smaller clubs in Spain to leading some of Europe’s top teams is a testament to his effective leadership style. Here are the key leadership lessons that can be gleaned from Unai Emery’s illustrious career.

Adaptability and Flexibility

One of Emery’s most notable traits is his adaptability. His coaching career spans several countries and leagues, each with its unique style of play and culture. Emery has successfully navigated these diverse environments, tailoring his tactics and management style to fit each new context.

In business and other fields, adaptability is crucial. Leaders must be willing to adjust their strategies in response to changing circumstances. Emery’s ability to analyse and adapt to different leagues—such as La Liga, Ligue 1, and the Premier League—demonstrates the importance of flexibility in achieving success.

Meticulous Preparation

Emery is known for his detailed preparation. He spends extensive time analysing opponents, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and developing strategies to counteract them. This meticulous approach extends to his training sessions, where every drill and exercise is planned with a specific purpose in mind.

Leaders in any field can learn from Emery’s dedication to preparation. Success is often determined by the groundwork laid beforehand. By thoroughly preparing for meetings, negotiations, or projects, leaders can anticipate challenges and develop effective solutions.

Continuous Learning and Improvement

Throughout his career, Emery has shown a commitment to continuous learning. He is always seeking to improve his tactical knowledge, often attending conferences, studying other coaches, and staying updated with the latest trends in football.

This commitment to continuous improvement is essential for leaders. The willingness to learn and evolve helps individuals stay ahead of the curve and maintain their relevance in a rapidly changing world. Emery’s success across various leagues underscores the value of never settling and always striving for growth.

Building Strong Relationships

Emery places significant emphasis on building strong relationships with his players. He understands that each player is different and takes the time to get to know them personally. This approach helps him to understand their motivations, strengths, and areas for improvement.

Effective leadership is built on strong relationships. By understanding the people they lead, leaders can tailor their approach to meet individual needs, fostering a supportive and productive environment. Emery’s ability to build trust and rapport with his players is a key factor in his teams’ success.

Empowering Others

A critical aspect of Emery’s leadership is his focus on empowering his players. He encourages them to take responsibility and make decisions on the pitch. This empowerment builds confidence and fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among his players.

In any leadership role, empowering others is crucial. It not only builds confidence but also encourages innovation and initiative. Leaders who empower their team members create a more dynamic and engaged workforce, capable of achieving great things.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Emery’s career has not been without its challenges. He faced criticism and setbacks, most notably during his tenure at Arsenal. However, his resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity have been key to his sustained success.

Resilience is a vital trait for any leader. The ability to withstand pressure, learn from failures, and continue moving forward is essential in overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term goals. Emery’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience in leadership.

Clear Communication

Effective communication is at the heart of Emery’s leadership style. He ensures that his players clearly understand their roles, the game plan, and the expectations. This clarity helps to align everyone towards a common goal.

Leaders must communicate clearly and consistently. By articulating their vision and expectations, they can ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same objectives. Emery’s success is partly due to his ability to convey his ideas effectively to his team.

Strategic Thinking

Emery’s tactical acumen is well-regarded in the footballing world. He is known for his strategic thinking and ability to outsmart opponents with well-crafted game plans. His strategic mindset allows him to see the bigger picture and make informed decisions.

Strategic thinking is a critical skill for leaders. It involves looking beyond immediate concerns and considering long-term objectives. By thinking strategically, leaders can make better decisions that position their organisations for future success. Emery’s tactical brilliance on the football field is a perfect example of the power of strategic thinking.

Passion and Dedication

Emery’s passion for football is evident in his work ethic and dedication. He is deeply committed to his craft and this passion is infectious, inspiring his players to give their best.

Passion is a driving force for leaders. It motivates them to work hard, overcome challenges, and inspire others. Leaders who are passionate about their work create an environment where enthusiasm and dedication are the norm. Emery’s passion for the game is a key factor in his ability to lead and motivate his teams.

Balancing Confidence and Humility

Emery displays a balance of confidence and humility. He is confident in his abilities and decisions, yet remains humble and open to learning. This balance helps him to lead effectively while maintaining the respect of his players and peers.

Leaders must strike a balance between confidence and humility. Confidence is necessary to make decisions and lead others, while humility allows for growth and the recognition of others’ contributions. Emery’s balanced approach is a model for effective leadership.

Unai Emery’s leadership style offers valuable lessons for leaders in any field. His adaptability, meticulous preparation, commitment to continuous learning, emphasis on relationships, empowerment of others, resilience, clear communication, strategic thinking, passion, and balanced approach provide a comprehensive blueprint for effective leadership. As Emery continues to achieve success on the football field, his leadership principles remain relevant and inspiring for anyone looking to lead with impact and purpose.