{"product_id":"rise-of-the-villans-guillem-balague-9781399625067","title":"Rise of the Villans: Inside Unai Emery's Aston Villa Revolution","description":"Featuring exclusive interviews with Unai Emery, Monchi, Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, Pau Torres and more, this is the behind-the-scenes account of Unai Emery's Aston Villa revolution, from the award-winning \u003ci\u003eSunday Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestseller Guillem Balagué. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn October 2022, Unai Emery was appointed manager of Aston Villa. Despite being one of England's most historic football clubs, Emery was taking charge of a team in turmoil and hovering above the relegation zone in the Premier League. But in his very first match, Villa produced a statement victory, deftly beating Manchester United 3-1 at Villa Park. It was a sign of things to come. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eGuillem Balagué has had unparalleled access to Unai Emery, his backroom staff and the Aston Villa squad ever since the Spaniard was appointed manager in 2022. From Emery's early years growing up in the Basque region to becoming one of the most exciting coaches managing today, \u003ci\u003eRise of the Villans\u003c\/i\u003e reveals the inner workings of Emery's psyche. Featuring exclusive interviews with Emery himself, as well as key players such as Villa captain John McGinn and star striker Ollie Watkins, it charts the journeys of both Emery and Aston Villa over the last three decades, offering a comprehensive and compelling narrative of why they are the perfect match. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eExploring Emery's management of the Midlands side, the book outlines how he has transformed them into an exciting side renowned for their direct passing, high energy and devastating counter attacks. After a 7th placed finish in his first season in charge, Emery's Villa continued their fine form in the 2023-24 season, finishing 4th and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in over four decades. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWith the Holte End roaring into life as Villa Park welcomed the return of European football's most prestigious club competition, it was clear for all to see: Unai Emery had awoken the sleeping giant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Guillem Balague\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-10:\u003c\/b\u003e 1399625063\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781399625067\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Seven Dials\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 01\/05\/2027\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 368\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback","brand":"Guillem Balague","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":48520163459327,"sku":"9781399625067","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/2982\/9887\/files\/img_ac50493c-fbde-4e54-9076-4f8d72aec04c.jpg?v=1778741132","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/rise-of-the-villans-guillem-balague-9781399625067","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}