Ruud Gullit talks Unai Emery suitability at Newcastle

Add as preferred source on Google

Ruud Gullit has told BeIN Sports that Unai Emery would be a “strange” choice for Newcastle United, after the Spaniard struggled at Arsenal.

Emery, 49, is widely-expected to have managed his last game for Villarreal on Tuesday night. The La Liga outfit eased past Young Boys to win 2-0.

The ex-PSG, Arsenal and Sevilla gaffer is believed to be on his way to Newcastle. The Mail say he could be installed by Thursday, on Tyneside.

It comes after Amanda Staveley was left confident of a move, having spoken to Emery on Zoom on Sunday. Guillem Balague says he will cost £5m.

But Gullit, a man who has managed Newcastle, says he does not understand the move from Newcastle’s point of view – given Emery’s Arsenal struggles.

“It’s not easy, Newcastle,” Gullit said. “The most-difficult part is to get the players there. Because there are so many other alternatives in England.

“You don’t get the first pick. I don’t understand, why you would take a coach who didn’t do well at Arsenal to go to Newcastle. He’s a good coach.

“But from Newcastle’s point of view, I don’t get it. He didn’t do well in England. A strange choice,” Gullit continued, on BeIN Sports.

Gullit on Emery: Should Newcastle be more wary of Arsenal tenure?

Emery’s spell at Arsenal was deemed a massive failure, when the Spaniard was sacked in 2019. Eventually, he was replaced by Mikel Arteta.

But as time has passed, Emery’s spell in charge has got better. Many realise Arsenal were in transtition, perhaps comparing with Arsene Wenger.

Newcastle will be looking at his other jobs. His time at PSG was impressive, his three Europa League titles at Sevilla even better.

A current Europa League champion with Villarreal, his pragmatic style will suit Newcastle as they fight against the drop. Gullit’s take is interesting.