Emery unfazed by Watkins and Martinez absence against favourites PSG

The Basque tactician took the reins at Aston Villa in 2022, banishing relegation fears before steering them into the Europa Conference League that very same season. He last penned a contract extension in 2024, committing his future in Birmingham until at least 2029.

Emery sat down this week with club chairman Nassef Sawiris, sporting director Roberto Olabe, and director of operations Damian Vidagany to outline the club's long-term strategy, as confirmed by Villa on social media. Topping the agenda was Emery's renewal, with the hierarchy eager to reward his sterling work in the dugout.

Since steering the club away from danger in 2022, Emery has steadily built one of the most formidable sides in English football, securing Champions League qualification twice, reaching the competition's quarter-finals, and lifting the Europa League last season. All of this has been achieved on a tighter budget than domestic rivals, with the club continually balancing the books through key player sales to comply with both Premier League and UEFA financial fair play rules.

Indeed, Villa had to part ways with a major portion of the starting XI that overcame Freiburg in the Europa League final this past summer: Morgan Rogers completed a 116 million move to Chelsea, Lucas Digne departed for Paris Saint-Germain, Ezri Konsa signed for Arsenal, Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez joined Chelsea, and Youri Tielemans headed to Manchester United.

Olabe's astute work in the transfer market has been crucial in replenishing the squad, bringing in the likes of Zion Suzuki, Johan Mazambi, and Nico Jackson.

On the pitch this term, Villa sit 10th in the Premier League with 12 points, while occupying sixth place in the Champions League—comfortably inside the top eight—following three wins from their opening four matches.

Emery remains an idolised figure in Birmingham, celebrated as the chief architect behind one of the most illustrious eras in the club's history.