Unai Emery confirms he “had contact with several Italian clubs” and is open to Serie A for his next role, praises Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri and “compliments” Aaron Ramsey for choosing the Bianconeri.
The former Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal coach is currently a free agent and spoke to TuttoJuve.com about his next step.
Unai Emery confirms he “had contact with several Italian clubs” and is open to Serie A for his next role, praises Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri and “compliments” Aaron Ramsey for choosing the Bianconeri.
The former Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal coach is currently a free agent and spoke to TuttoJuve.com about his next step.
“I coached for 16 years in a row, so decided to take a little rest to prepare for the project that most inspires me. I won’t rule out any country: England, France, Spain, where I already worked, or Italy, which I’ve never worked in before.
“I did have some contact with several Italian clubs, but for one reason or another, it was not possible to work here. I am open to everything and keep a very close eye on Serie A. Out of respect and fairness, I will not name the clubs who contacted me in previous years.”
Emery had been linked with Juventus before Sarri took charge, a manager he already faced off against in the London Derby between Arsenal and Chelsea.
“Sarri has so much experience and showed what he can do at Napoli and Chelsea. I was really struck by his extreme attention for detail and the organisation of his teams. Chelsea did very well, finishing third and winning the Europa League Final against us. He did a great job in England only returned to Italy so soon because he was called by a big club like Juventus.
“I think the Bianconeri are in the group of three or four teams who can win the Champions League. I think their best chance of taking the trophy was in 2017.”
Juve currently have several players familiar to Emery, such as Blaise Matuidi, Adrien Rabiot and ex-Arsenal midfielder Ramsey.
“Ramsey decided to leave and he joined a big club. Aaron will be very important for Juventus, as he shares their ambition. I complimented him on his choice, because he picked a club where he can win a great deal. It’s an interesting challenge for him.
“Matuidi is an excellent professional and a strong character. Rabiot is younger, but up to playing for a top club like the Old Lady. Adrien is a player who I would always like to have in my squad.”