Captain John McGinn says he has never met anyone else like Unai Emery and that the Spaniard’s place among the legendary figures in Aston Villa’s history is already assured.
Villa’s impressive start to the season continued with a 2-0 victory over Bologna as they went top of the Champions League table.
Emery, who celebrates two years in charge at Villa Park on Thursday, has also guided the side to fourth in this season’s Premier League, four points behind leaders Liverpool.
The 52-year-old has yet to win a trophy with the club but McGinn believes his place in Villa history is safe.
“No matter what happens until now and whenever he leaves – we hope it’s never – he will certainly go down as one of our club’s greatest managers,” McGinn said.
“You feed off your leader. He is our leader and we feed off that. No-one can question what he puts in, the effort – and everything which comes his way and our way is on the back of hard work.
“He is just so driven. I have never met anyone like him,” added the 30-year-old.
McGinn acknowledged Emery has been the “only person” who has not been excited by Villa’s early season form, with the ex-Arsenal boss instead concentrating on his job.
“He just focuses his full energy all the time,” added the Scotland midfielder.
“He does not let us take our foot off the gas so we can use all our energy and enthusiasm, and the excitement we have. His determination and intensity is unmatched.”
