The former Arsenal manager will face his replacement, Mikel Arteta, in the Europa League semi-final with Villarreal.
Unai Emery has downplayed his history with Arsenal, as his main goal is to lead Villarreal to their first major European final.
The Spaniard now faces his former club in the semi-finals of the Europa League after Villarreal prevailed by 2-1 to Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday, securing a 3-1 aggregate win in the quarterfinals.
The Spanish side have reached the semi-finals of a major European competition four times in the UEFA Champions, UEFA Cup and Europa League since 2004.
But they were eliminated in all three semi-finals, including the 2006 Champions League match against Arsenal.
“We are happy. It was a challenge, but the trajectory in the Europa League has been very serious and we are responding at a higher level every time, ”said Emery. [Marca]
“We have taken the game where we are most comfortable. We have deactivated him both here and in Zagreb.
Emery led Sevilla to three consecutive Europa League titles between 2013 and 2016. In his first season with Arsenal, he led the club to the final in 2018/19 before being sacked in November 2019.
So while his reunion with Arsenal in the semi-finals will likely dominate the headlines, Emery is focused on Villarreal and a fourth Europa League title.
Unai Emery won the Europa League three times.
Then he took Arsenal to the Europa League final.
Then he was sacked by the Gunners after a Europa League game.
Of course he’ll now face his former team with his new club, Villarreal… in the Europa League. pic.twitter.com/sh8chAy1Xm
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 15, 2021
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“It is a challenge, something that Villarreal has already done,” he continued.
«Breaking the barrier of the semifinals is the great challenge. The idea of reaching the Champions League through the Europa League is very important for the rivals.
«This competition is becoming more and more important. When I signed here this was one more process. You have to live each moment. We are receiving the illusion of the people. The illusion increases ».
“My past at Arsenal is less important.”
The first leg between Villarreal and Arsenal will be played on April 29 before the two clubs meet a week later on May 6 in the second leg.
The final against Manchester United or AS Roma will be played on May 26.
