Unai Emery signs on for another season and the future is bright

Putting days of speculation about his future to rest, Unai Emery has signed a one year contract extension which will keep him at the club till June 30, 2012. This would be his fourth season in charge of Los Che, where he has ensured that the club qualifies directly into the Champions League despite losing its prime assets David Silva and David Villa in the summer.

This would evoke a set of mixed reactions from the Los Che, who have been somewhat satisfied with the on-field display, but the coach's apparent lack of player control has many asking for his head. I personally feel this is a great opportunity for Emery to prove his critics wrong and establish himself on the big stage.

An entire pre-season with the "new" players, who came in the summer when the squad was overhauled, gives him ample time to prepare for a title challenge in the forthcoming season. Fighting to break the Barca-Real Madrid hegemony at the helm of La Liga would be Emery's biggest challenge yet. Though he has managed to promote small clubs like Lorca and Almeria into respectable positions in the second and first division respectively, working with the squad that he has and limited funds in the transfer market and winning the title could be his crowning moment of success, heralding him into the list of great Primera Division managers. And another shot at Champions League glory would be the cherry on the cake.

The key to success would be how he would convince players like Mata to stay on at Valencia, and make the right signings which would not hurt the finances of the club one bit. And Valencia's transfer policy of late has also been promising. The club's intent on signing a proven match-winner like Miroslav Klose despite having Mata, Aduriz and Soldado among their ranks, highlights this very ambition. Klose will bring in vital experience and adds to the squad depth, factors which are crucial when it comes to challenging for the title. A few similar signings on the defensive front (though the incoming Diego Alves adds to the burgeoning goal-keeping talent at Mestalla's disposal) would stand the club in good stead. All in all, I feel Emery has deservedly earned this shot and I certainly hope that he brings back Valencia as the third horse that fights on for first place right till the end.

My previous article on why Emery is good for Valencia.

Quotes:

Unai Emery: "I am very happy to have another year with one of the best clubs in the world. It is my intention to keep developing this club and that project drives me. The goal we have set is to improve and take further steps to make the most of our performance. We have a great team and they can give us great joy.''

Club president Manuel Llorente: "Unai has proven himself. To go directly into the Champions League is very valuable and we greatly appreciate his desire to improve us and his ability to do so. We are growing, giving hope and joy to the fans. The challenge is to take another step forward in performance and be better every year and Unai is ambitious. He has all the requirements and the confidence of the club.''