‘It’s a big gamble’ – Aston Villa facing ‘problem’ as new arrival heads in
Aston Villa have had a slow start to the new Premier League season despite their aspirations to challenge towards the top of the table again.
Villa beat Fulham 3-1 on Sunday (28 September) to claim their first top-flight victory of the campaign, while they registered a 1-0 win over Bologna in their opening Europa League fixture of the season on Thursday (25 September).
It comes after Villa confirmed Monchi has left the club, having worked as their president of operations for the past two years.
Meanwhile, Roberto Olabe has been hired as Monchi’s replacement, with Unai Emery believed to have been involved in his appointment.
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Emery looks to still be the “key lynchpin” on the footballing side at Villa Park.
Aston Villa chief to face financial challenges
Villa were close to breaching the profit and sustainability rules (PSR) during Monchi’s spell with the club.
It was confirmed earlier this summer Villa completed the last-ditch sale of their women’s team, helping them raise funds before their accounting deadline on 30 June.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I think Emery remains the key lynchpin on the footballing side of Villa.
“I think that’s positive because at least it shows a continuity on that side, they’re not panicking and there’s a strategy. The new director looks like a good guy. But if they are very restrained on the spending, that’s the challenge, right?
“It’s not straightforward to see what changes by bringing in your new sporting director if you are so restrained on the numbers, and they clearly are, especially if they’re going to have a poor league season this season and concentrate on the Europa League.
“That’s going to be a problem for them because you’re going to lose £3million a place.”
Villa narrowly missed out on the Champions League last season, having finished behind fifth-place Newcastle United on goal difference.
Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest face similar conundrum
Nottingham Forest are also challenging for the Europa League alongside Villa this season, with suggestions both sides are prioritising the competition ahead of the Premier League.
Forest appointed Ange Postecoglou as their new manager earlier this month after the Australian won the Europa League with Tottenham last season.
Borson said: “Villa’s situation is similar to Nottingham Forest.
“I mean, we’re starting to hear that Nottingham Forest are looking effectively to make themselves a Europa League team, like Spurs did last season. It’s a big gamble. Only one team can get the trophy.”
Villa will take on Feyenoord in their second Europa League clash on Thursday (2 October).
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