FULLY UPDATED WITH THREE NEW CHAPTERS TO COVER THE EUROPA LEAGUE TRIUMPH!

SHORTLISTED FOR FOOTBALL BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE 2026 SPORTS BOOK AWARDS
'BRILLIANT, REVEALS DELIGHTFUL DETAILS ABOUT EMERY' The Times
'A BACKSTAGE PASS TO THE MAKING OF A MODERN FOOTBALL IDENTITY' Midlands Gazette

"Aston Villa is waking up. The slumbering giant is stretching its limbs, eyes wide with the promise of glory. The fans feel it. The city feels it. With Unai Emery at the helm and new ownership driving ambition, there's a feeling that after years of wandering in the wilderness, Villa is finally coming home to where it belongs..."

Guillem Balagué has had unparalleled access to Unai Emery, his backroom staff and the Aston Villa squad ever since the Spaniard was appointed manager in 2022. From growing up in the Basque region to becoming one of the most exciting coaches today, Rise of the Villans reveals the inner workings of Emery's psyche. Guillem also takes readers inside Bodymoor Heath to show how Unai has transformed Villa into an exciting side renowned for their direct passing, high energy and devastating counter attacks. At the core of the book are Villa's passionate fans, who outline why they believe club and manager are the perfect match.

With the Holte End roaring into life as Villa Park welcomed the return of European football, it was clear for all to see: Unai Emery had awoken the sleeping giant.