Unai Emery hopes Aston Villa avoid repeat of last summer's troubles | OneFootball

Unai Emery wants a calmer summer at Aston Villa to avoid the uncertainty that hampered the start of last season, as the club navigate financial rules.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, Villa went winless in their first six matches in all competitions after a constrained window under Premier League and UEFA financial fair play regulations. They then surged to fourth place and lifted the Europa League, ending a 30-year wait for a major trophy.

Emery said they had troubles early in the campaign and hopes they do not recur this year. He argued their response made sense of the path they are on, and stressed the need to keep balance if frustrations arise, from himself, the club and the supporters.

Villa again face a balancing act to stay within the rules, and Emery remains conscious they are competing with rivals able to spend more. This is the first summer since Roberto Olabe replaced Monchi as president of football operations, with Olabe bringing a track record of identifying young talent at Real Sociedad.

Paris Saint-Germain’s teenage winger Ibrahim Mbaye is among Villa’s targets, with Emery keen to add pace out wide. He also wants a midfielder and a defender who can cover right centre-back and right-back.

Villa have decided not to activate a £23 million option to buy for Douglas Luiz, who will return to parent club Juventus.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com