Picture Unai Emery loading up a chess app on his phone to play against strangers - under his own name.

This is just one of the methods the meticulous Aston Villa boss employs to sharpen the mental discipline required at the highest level of football. Emery, 54, recently led Villa to their first piece of silverware in 30 years with a 3-0 win over Freiburg in the Europa League final, marking his fifth triumph in the competition. Prior to this, he guided Sevilla to Europa League glory three years in a row (2.014, 2015, and 2016), and secured his fourth success with Villarreal in 2021.

After five years, Emery has been reunited with the Europa League trophy and moved level with Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, and Giovanni Trapattoni on the list of managers with the most major European prizes (five).

Emery's Unique Approach

Emery finds time to engage in a variety of activities that help him mentally prepare for his role as a manager. He plays three-minute online chess games and watches lectures at all hours of the night. He is particularly interested in those who can explain the world in new and innovative ways, such as scientists and thinkers. Another late-night activity includes watching football matches at various levels on his iPad, even matches from lesser-known teams like Racing Santander.

His rigorous schedule includes a focus on body shape, tactics, and physical details in training, ensuring players dedicate 70% of their time to football. Emery believes no one works harder than he does, and he credits his parents for instilling a strong sense of responsibility in him.

Managing the Season

Despite a five-match winless run at the start of the season, Emery managed to convince Villa that the season would still be successful. His target was a long run in the Europa League and securing a Champions League place. Both objectives were achieved.

When Villa were criticized for resting key players in their home defeat by Tottenham before the second leg of the Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest, Emery did not blink. He had calculated that the points needed in the league to secure Champions League qualification would come from somewhere else if necessary, and he was proven right.

Villa Park provided the energy and support needed to fuel the team. Emery has always drawn energy from stands that believe in the team.

What next when the campaign ends? Emery will likely go to his hometown of Hondarribia or his favorite holiday destination, Mallorca, to walk by the sea and meet friends who have nothing to do with football. He will also spend time with his mother.