Emery’s clever strategy also confused Bayern, with a more direct approach targeting defender Dayot Upamecano, with Ollie Watkins in the background. He was also aware of Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s habit of playing as a sweeper goalkeeper, which led directly to Duran’s goal. The trick worked to perfection.

Name what Emery brings and a Villa insider told BBC Sport: “Attention to detail. An incredible work ethic. Downtime doesn’t exist as far as Unai is concerned. He’s incredible and he gets the rewards the work ethic deserves. He’s also respectful of everyone at the club and very popular.”

Emery arrives at Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training headquarters around 8am and the staff who use the center gym are used to the manager arriving at 8.30pm after sitting at his desk, collecting details on his iPad while on the exercise bike sits before he even takes notes. while using the rowing machine.

Once the formalities of a match are completed, he turns to his laptop, sitting in front of Villa’s coach, immediately focusing on the next match, the next opponent.

He has brought 23 Spanish coaches to Bodymoor Heath, a sign of Villa’s confidence and investment in Emery, but he has ensured they are fully integrated with the coaches already there, in a calm and welcoming atmosphere. There is mutual respect from everyone at Bodymoor Heath, an environment fostered by Emery, whose English is reportedly much better than some might expect.

Emery, who was joined by a long-time collaborator in Monchi, who was with him in Seville, as president of football operations, while the appointment of the experienced Pako Ayestaran as his right-hand man was an ideal choice.

Ayestaran was Rafael Benitez’s assistant as he achieved early success, winning the Champions League and FA Cup at Liverpool. Things were never the same at Anfield after he left, perhaps not by chance as the 61-year-old is a personable and highly respected figure with great knowledge of the Premier League and the game in general.

Emery, who also has the trusted Damian Vidagany in his side, has not been afraid to retain members of Gerrard’s staff such as excellent coach Austin MacPhee, a workaholic in the style of his manager.

He identifies and nurtures quality, especially in players, who are aided by ruthless and specific video analysis, with Ollie Watkins a particular beneficiary.

Emery also gets the best out of the unpredictable maverick Duran, albeit as a substitute. He needs careful handling and the manager has proven adept in this area.

Since his first weekend in charge on November 5, 2022, Villa has recorded the fifth-most wins and fifth-most home wins in the Premier League, trailing only Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Bayern certainly knows all about Emery’s European expertise. They had not lost a match in the group stage since September 2017, when they were defeated 3-0 by Paris St. Germain. Their coach? Unai Emery.

Emery and Villa now have six points from their two opening Champions League games against Switzerland’s Young Boys and now Bayern – and under his expert guidance, few will enjoy this environment under this coach.