- Unai Emery believes Aston Villa are “evolving” after the rapid progress they have made both on and off the pitch
- The Spaniard discussed the redevelopment of the North Stand, and the introduction of a hotel at Bodymoor Heath
- However, he is aware there’s still “a lot of work to do”
Unai Emery has praised the progress Aston Villa have made over a short period of time, both with the players and off the pitch improvements as well. He believes the “club is evolving” but understands that there is still “a lot of work to do.”
Villa’s transformation under Emery doesn’t just lie on the pitch. Their swift rise has meant improvements behind the scenes to maximise quality have been necessary to maintain their ascent towards Europe’s elite.
The club’s hierarchy is aggressively upgrading infrastructure to match its European ambitions. Significant redevelopments are underway at Villa Park alongside the construction of player accommodation at Bodymoor Heath to optimise recovery during congested fixture schedules.
This off-pitch evolution directly mirrors the squad’s rising competitive standards. Under Emery’s management, key players like Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa have progressed into senior international setups.
By establishing a culture that demands continuous improvements from both the players and the coaches, Villa are building the structural foundation required to sustain their presence at the top of the Premier League and Europe.
Emery on their progress
In an interview with TNT Sports, Emery discussed the progress Villa have made in a short space of time.
“They are doing a huge effort, the club, the owners and the workers, to grow up and to develop everything. For example, we started the work in Villa Park to add another 8,000 or 10,000 supporters more, and here in the training ground, we are doing a lot of work.
“We built this season the rooms, the hotel for the players when we are coming back from Europe, sometimes late, or sometimes we are even playing late in Premier League in England. We can rest, we can sleep here in the hotel.
“The club, as well, is trying to improve a lot of things in everything around the team and the players as well.
“I think progressively they are being more demanding themselves and they are achieving their own objectives to get, for example, their national teams.
“Konsa, Watkins and Morgan, they are being involved in the squad, in the national team. Three years ago, when we arrived here, they weren’t.
“The club is evolving, and myself as well. I am trying to evolve in our improvements, so I can feel we can have a lot of work to do.”
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Emery’s relentless pursuit of excellence ensures Villa have the platform to continue their progress on the pitch, whilst the owners back investment into infrastructure to keep up with the pace.
Crucially, this long-term strategy protects the club from becoming a short-lived success-story. The drastic improvements in players, like Rogers, Watkins and Konsa, matched by the work done behind the scenes, prove they are heading in the right direction.
While the manager insists there is still significant work ahead, the foundations for a permanent seat at Europe’s elite are firmly in place. Villa are no longer just temporary disruptors; they are systemically built to last.
