{"id":5015,"date":"2026-05-06T19:39:46","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T19:39:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=5015"},"modified":"2026-05-06T19:39:46","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T19:39:46","slug":"joe-cole-urges-chelsea-to-hire-aston-villa-boss-unai-emery-for-four-reasons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=5015","title":{"rendered":"Joe Cole urges Chelsea to hire Aston Villa boss Unai Emery for four reasons"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"post-366701\">\n<div class=\"article-follow\">\n<div class=\"article-sharing google-follow\">  <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thechelseachronicle.com\/wp-content\/themes\/grv-media\/img\/google-discover.svg\" alt=\"\"\/> <span>Add as preferred source on Google<\/span>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>The search for Liam Rosenior\u2019s replacement continues to drag on with BlueCo seemingly in no rush to make an appointment, but Joe Cole has suggested a new name \u2013 Aston Villa boss Unai Emery.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Plenty of names have already been linked. It is widely known that the three front-runners are Xabi Alonso, Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva. Chelsea are also said to be considering Oliver Glasner and Niko Kovac.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-grvmedia-grv-video GRVMultiVideo\"\/>\n<p>Then, there has been talk about Xavi. The Barcelona legend has been out of work for two years, and his camp insists talks have been held, but those at Chelsea state that Xavi is not seen as a possible target.<\/p>\n<section class=\"grv-talking-point\" data-trigger=\"vue-sidebar\" data-story-id=\"74909401-8595-4074-9a62-89a4ab9cee30\" data-story-name=\"New Chelsea Manager\" data-comment-id=\"0ed2be61-117d-43af-b806-2e815be7ba7c\" data-story-slug=\"new-chelsea-manager\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__inner\">\n<header class=\"grv-talking-point__header\">  <\/header>\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__content\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__cta\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__title-wrap\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__title-content\">\n<h3 class=\"grv-talking-point__title\">Xavi\u2019s win rate is impressive \u2013 would you take him at Chelsea?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"grv-talking-point__subtitle\">He&#8217;s won 156 of 244 games.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__embed\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/stand-out-number-3-819x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-366667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/stand-out-number-3-819x1024.png 819w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/stand-out-number-3-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/stand-out-number-3-768x960.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/stand-out-number-3-912x1140.png 912w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/stand-out-number-3-600x750.png 600w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/stand-out-number-3.png 1080w\"\/><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p>Elsewhere, both Fabian Hurzeler and Francesco Farioli can be chalked off the shortlist. Hurzeler has signed a new deal at Brighton and Andre Villas-Boas has rejected a move for Farioli. Chelsea\u2019s search continues.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking on the latest episode of The Dressing Room podcast, Chelsea icon Cole was discussing who he would like to see take over at Chelsea. He believes Emery would be a good appointment, explaining why.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-joe-cole-explains-why-chelsea-need-to-consider-unai-emery\">Joe Cole explains why Chelsea need to consider Unai Emery<\/h2>\n<p>Emery has sparkled as Aston Villa manager. The Spaniard returned to England with Villa after having unfinished business with the Premier League, following a difficult spell as Arsene Wenger\u2019s replacement.<\/p>\n<p>The Villa manager has won 105 of his 191 games, boasting a win rate of 55%. His side currently sit in the Europa League quarter-finals, with Champions League qualification pretty much secured this season.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"686\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2264012944-1024x686.jpg\" alt=\"Wolverhampton Wanderers v Aston Villa - Premier League\" class=\"wp-image-355639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2264012944-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2264012944-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2264012944-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2264012944-1536x1028.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2264012944-1140x763.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-2264012944-750x502.jpg 750w\"\/><\/div><figcaption title=\"WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Unai Emery manger \/ head coach of Aston Villa reacst during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa at Molineux on February 27, 2026 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA\/Getty Images)\">Photo by Catherine Ivill \u2013 AMA\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Cole believes Emery, who is quoted by Villa\u2019s website as being \u201cfrustrated\u201d, would be an excellent choice for four reasons: an experienced manager, his frustration at Villa, his history and his support network.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou need an experienced manager who understands football. Someone like Unai Emery, whether he would want Chelsea or not. Apparently, he\u2019s frustrated at Aston Villa. Look at what that man has done.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSevilla, Villarreal, Aston Villa, he\u2019s got a structure around him with the director of football who buys good players and knows what he\u2019s doing. Stick with him, trust him, build the club. Get the fans onside.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-chelsea-have-little-chance-of-luring-unai-emery-from-villa\">Chelsea have little chance of luring Unai Emery from Villa<\/h2>\n<p>The former Sevilla, Villarreal and PSG manager has taken a mid-table Premier League side to the top echelon of the Premier League. Emery would be a stunning appointment if Chelsea can tempt him.<\/p>\n<section class=\"grv-talking-point\" data-trigger=\"vue-sidebar\" data-story-id=\"74909401-8595-4074-9a62-89a4ab9cee30\" data-story-name=\"New Chelsea Manager\" data-comment-id=\"1b3d271a-0cba-4c46-be87-58793ca77755\" data-story-slug=\"new-chelsea-manager\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__inner\">\n<header class=\"grv-talking-point__header\">  <\/header>\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__content\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__cta\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__title-wrap\">\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__title-content\">\n<h3 class=\"grv-talking-point__title\">MESSAGE TO BLUECO: Get Fabregas in and listen to JT! \ud83d\udc4a<\/h3>\n<p class=\"grv-talking-point__subtitle\">It just makes sense.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"grv-talking-point__embed\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"589\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 991px) 100vw, 800px\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/IMG_3640-589x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-366575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/IMG_3640-589x1024.jpg 589w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/IMG_3640-173x300.jpg 173w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/IMG_3640-768x1334.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/IMG_3640-884x1536.jpg 884w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/IMG_3640-656x1140.jpg 656w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/IMG_3640-scaled.jpg 1105w, https:\/\/cdn1.thechelseachronicle.com\/uploads\/17\/2026\/05\/IMG_3640-432x750.jpg 432w\"\/><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p>Yet, despite his frustration at Villa\u2019s recent form and their Europa League semi-final first-leg defeat, it feels like there is little chance of tempting Emery to swap a Champions League club for Chelsea this summer.<\/p>\n<p>Especially with Chelsea currently failing to qualify for any form of European competition. On top of that, Emery signed a new five-year deal at Villa in 2024, which will keep him at the Midlands club until 2029.<\/p>\n<div class=\"see-more-wrapper lazy see-more-open see-more-blank extra-content\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.thechelseachronicle.com\/news\/joe-cole-urges-chelsea-to-hire-aston-villa-boss-unai-emery-for-four-reasons\/none\" data-type=\"subscribe\">\n<div class=\"see-more subscribe\">\n<figure class=\"newsletter\">\n<div><svg class=\"loading\" width=\"118\" height=\"36\" viewbox=\"0 0 118 36\"><use href=\"#dots-svg\"\/><\/svg><\/p>\n<div class=\"signup\"><span class=\"hf\">Join Our Newsletter<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><script>grvLoadAnalytics = () => {(function(d,s,i){var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)(0),j=d.createElement(s);j.async=true;j.src=\"https:\/\/www.googletagmanager.com\/gtag\/js?id=\"+i;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(document,'script','G-E7VRWQHDP6');(function(d,s,i){if(!\/callback=in\/.test(window.location.search)){var e=d.createElement(s);var n=d.getElementsByTagName(s)(0);e.type=\"text\/javascript\";e.async=true;e.src=\"https:\/\/static.chartbeat.com\/js\/chartbeat.js\";n.parentNode.insertBefore(e,n);}})(document,\"script\",\"G-E7VRWQHDP6\");(function(){let s=document.createElement(\"script\");s.async=true;s.dataset.domain=\"thechelseachronicle.com\/MFj4XQ\";s.src=\"https:\/\/api.publytics.net\/js\/script.manual.ping.min.js\";document.getElementsByTagName(\"head\")(0).appendChild(s);})();if(!\/callback=in\/.test(window.location.search)){setTimeout(function(){!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=();t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)(0);s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,'script','https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/fbevents.js');fbq('init','663509325503632');fbq('track','PageView');fbq('track','ViewContent',{content_name:'Joe Cole urges Chelsea to hire Aston Villa boss Unai Emery for four reasons',content_category:'News',content_ids:(366701,\"joe-cole\",\"unai-emery\"),content_type:'post',});},3000);}}<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Add as preferred source on Google The search for Liam Rosenior\u2019s replacement continues to drag&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5016,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5015","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chelsea"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5015","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5015"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5015\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5016"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5015"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5015"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5015"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}