The Athletic FC Podcast Inside Aston Villa’s power struggle
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Sep 23, 2025 In this discussion, football journalist Jacob Tanswell, known for his insights on Aston Villa, joins analyst Dan Bardell to dissect the club's struggles in the Premier League. They dive into Unai Emery's challenges, assessing whether player laziness or tactical rigidity is to blame. The duo explores the impact of Monchi's impending exit on the power dynamics within the club and highlights the squad's issues, including striker performance and summer transfers. They also consider the future of Emery amidst mounting pressure.
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Emery's 'Lazy' Outburst Signals Deeper Problems
- Unai Emery publicly called his players "lazy" after the Sunderland draw, reflecting deep visible frustration.
- The comment signalled broader concerns about energy, focus and decline from last season's standards.
Emery's Authority Masks Growing Faultlines
- Dan Bardell argues Emery holds immense authority and credit with the squad due to past success.
- That credit may let him be blunt with players, but current results suggest cracks despite earlier achievements.
League Physicality Has Outpaced Villa's Style
- The Premier League's physical and quick profile has risen and Villa look slower and less physical in comparison.
- That mismatch may explain why Emery's calm, structured style now struggles against bigger, faster teams.