One on One | Villa’s Emery on footballing dynasties and seizing the moment with McKenna at Ipswich
Feb 12, 2025
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Unai Emery, Aston Villa's passionate head coach, discusses the often-unknown footballing dynasties that shape the sport. He shares insights on his impactful management style and the importance of tactical and emotional connections in coaching. Meanwhile, Kieran McKenna, Ipswich Town's successful manager, reflects on his journey from League One to the Premier League, emphasizing team culture, loyalty, and the delicate balance between nurturing talent and making tough decisions. Both guests highlight the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of football success.
Unai Emery's coaching philosophy is deeply influenced by his family's values and the responsibility he instills in his players.
Kieran McKenna highlights the challenge of merging traditional club loyalty with the need for modern adaptation in football strategies.
Deep dives
Unai Emery's Coaching Philosophy
Unai Emery attributes his coaching philosophy to a strong sense of responsibility instilled in him by his family. He believes that every player should understand their roles and have a commitment to their responsibilities on the field. This understanding stems from a deep appreciation for football that was fostered during his upbringing, where he was surrounded by family members who were involved in the sport. His father's coaching influenced him greatly, as he began to evolve his own tactical understanding by engaging with his father’s coaching materials from an early age.
Balancing Tradition and Modernization at Ipswich Town
Kieran McKenna acknowledges the challenge of balancing traditional values with the need for modern progression at Ipswich Town. He emphasizes the importance of the club's rich history while adapting to the demands of contemporary football. This balancing act requires careful integration of new players into a squad largely composed of those who helped the team achieve promotions from lower leagues. McKenna aims to maintain loyalty to the existing squad while ensuring they remain competitive in the Premier League.
Emphasis on Values and Culture in Coaching
Both Emery and McKenna reflect on the significance of instilling strong values and a supportive culture within their teams. They highlight the importance of treating players and staff with respect to foster a positive environment. McKenna places great importance on building a culture that players can identify with, ensuring every member feels valued and included. This culture, they assert, not only aids player retention but also contributes to overall team performance and coherence.
Adaptability in Tactical Approaches
The ability to adapt tactics is crucial for both Emery and McKenna as they face the dynamic nature of football competitions. Emery notes how football evolves rapidly, requiring him to stay updated with new tactical ideas and approaches from around the world. McKenna speaks to his experience of needing to adjust strategies while retaining the core identity of his team. They acknowledge the necessity to change game plans based on the league competition and the strengths of opposing teams while maintaining the essence of their coaching philosophies.
On ‘One on One’ this week, Joe Thomlinson meets Aston Villa’s head coach, Unai Emery, to chat about one of the great footballing dynasties you’ve probably never heard of! Plus, they discuss his management style that’s been so roundly praised on this podcast by those who’ve played under him.
Meanwhile, Juliette Ferrington is off to the manager’s office at Ipswich to speak to Kieran McKenna about back to back promotions, taking your chances, and when to stay loyal.
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