Speaking on the Keys and Gray Podcast, Andy Gray has been discussing Aston Villa’s appointment of Unai Emery.
Gray is actually a big fan of Emery being appointed at Villa, stating that his CV is second-to-none and that he didn’t do badly at Arsenal.
However, despite being more than sold on Emery, Gray did offer up an alternative for Villa, stating that perhaps they could’ve gone out and gotten Brendan Rodgers instead.
Gray suggests Rodgers
The pundit gave his verdict on Emery being hired and suggested Rodgers as another name.
“I like it, I really like it. We were talking last week and there were some names we were throwing around and he wasn’t one of them. The only other one, and I don’t know if Villa could’ve gotten him is Brendan Rodgers,” Gray said.
“I think Brendan needs a change of scenery from Leicester, and he needs to lift himself and I think Villa could’ve given him that. He’s still a bright young coach and that would’ve excited me, but I think Unai Emery, you can’t argue with his CV, it’s there to be admired and respected and when you look back, he didn’t do badly at Arsenal.”
Both good options
As Gray says, Rodgers would’ve been an exciting option for Villa, but you’re not likely to find any Villan complaining about the appointment of a four-time Europa League winner.
Emery is a top-class operator and Villa have made a serious step up from Steven Gerrard with this appointment.
The Spaniard has teams such as Arsenal and PSG on his employment history for a reason, he’s a manager who belongs at the very top of this sport.
Rodgers would have been a very good appointment, but Emery could potentially take Villa to the next level.