Unai Emery has admitted to 'close friends' he made major error at Arsenal that led to him being sacked

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has reportedly opened up to 'close friends' about a key error he made at Arsenal that contributed to him being sacked by the London club.

Emery inherited Arsenal from Arsene Wenger in 2018, but endured a tough spell that lasted only one full season before he was sacked in November, 2019.

Emery's fortunes have changed significantly since his time in north London, with a Europa League win with Villarreal in 2021 where he overcame Manchester United on penalties in the final.

That Europa League win was Emery's fourth victory in the competition, the most of any manager.

His impressive performances in Spain led to a return to the Premier League in 2022, when he took over from Steven Gerrard who was sacked due to Villa flirting with the relegation zone.

Since Emery's appointment, Aston Villa's form has completely transformed, with the club now sitting fourth in the Premier League and boasting the best home record in the division, having won every match at Villa Park up to this point.

The impressive work he has done since joining Villa has cemented Emery as one of the best managers in the division.

He has since reflected on his time at Arsenal and The Athletic claim he has opened up to 'close friends' about the mistakes he made in London.

It is claimed the Villa boss admitted he was "too focused on just the football aspect within a club where politics are rife and diplomacy is key".

Emery (Getty)

The 52-year-old was reportedly shocked by his sacking, with Emery still believing he had the full trust of the board due to his work integrating players like Bukayo Saka.

However, despite it costing his job at Arsenal it appears to be doing the polar opposite at Villa according to The Athletic.

"The difference at Villa is that they indulge his footballing obsessions, building a network of his own choosing around him," added the report.