Unai Emery has revealed that he has received offers to leave Aston Villa but has not given them any consideration, as his full focus remains on developing the club.
The Spaniard is set to take charge of his first final as Villa manager on Wednesday night, as he targets a fifth Europa League triumph.
His side secured qualification for the Champions League on Friday following a 4–2 victory over Liverpool in their final home game of the season at Villa Park.
It will be the second time Villa have featured in UEFA’s elite club competition in three seasons, having narrowly missed out last year on goal difference.
Despite his success this season, Emery was not nominated for Manager of the Season, though his reputation remains as strong as ever.
In an interview with Marca, Emery was asked whether his performances at Villa had attracted interest and offers from elsewhere.
“Yes, of course,” he admitted. “After so many years you live with it. But when I'm focused on competing, nothing distracts me. I'm completely focused on the team's objective.”
Financial rules restrict Villa’s capacity to spend, but it’s not anything which Emery is unused to after enjoying successful spells at Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal.
Villa have, however, had to sell players in previous windows to increase their own spending power.
Asked if he is concerned about Ollie Watkins or Morgan Rogers leaving this summer, Emery said: “I've always worked with great players. From Villa and Silva at Valencia to Neymar, Mbappé, and Cavani at PSG.
“My priority as a coach is to help each player improve. If the player improves and the team improves, the results will follow.”
