And to think Arsenal sacked him to give Mikel Arteta a chance to coach them...
It will be a day to remember for Unai Emery, as he will go down in history as the first coach to lead Villarreal to a title in all competitions. The former PSG boss has now turned Villarreal into the 5th Spanish team to reach the title in the second most relevant club competition in Europe.
On top of it all, the Spanish coach is now the most winning coach in this competition, having led Sevilla to three straight titles in 2014, 2015, and 2016. No other coach in Europe has won as many titles as Emery in the tournament's history, even before its name was changed.
4 - Unai Emery has become the first manager to win the UEFA Cup/Europa League four times (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 & 2020-21) surpassing Giovanni Trapattoni. Masterclass. #UELfinal
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 26, 2021
In fact, the only team he was unable to lead to this title was precisely Arsenal, when Chelsea beat the Gunners in 2019.
Unai Emery has competed in five #UEL Finals a manager:
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 26, 2021
2014 (Sevilla)
2015 (Sevilla)
2016 (Sevilla)
2019 (Arsenal)
2021 (Villarreal)
Turns out it was Arsenal that was the problem. pic.twitter.com/xMyNNN9Bgx
Can't forget what a magical moment this is for Villarreal. The first major trophy in their history.
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) May 26, 2021
Outstanding job by Unai Emery pic.twitter.com/zM8JBhab9x
The coach will now have a chance to enjoy one more title with a new club, and while at it, he will send a message to those who slammed him at Arsenal and did not appreciate his talent.
