Jamie Carragher names ‘super coach’ who should get Aston Villa job; blasts fans for Steven Gerrard chants

Jamie Carragher has urged Aston Villa to appoint former Arsenal manager Unai Emery as Steven Gerrard’s replacement at Villa Park.

Villarreal chief Emery has emerged as Villa’s top target to replace Steven Gerrard after the Liverpool and England legend was sacked with Villa sitting just above the relegation zone after their 3-0 loss to Fulham last weekend.

Villa’s response to Gerrard’s exit was an emphatic one as they thumped Brentford 4-0 under caretaker manager Aaron Danks.

However, the search continues for the next permanent manager. And with Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino already ruled out, the focus has now switched to Emery and Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim.

But Carragher is adamant that Emery would be a ‘fantastic appointment’.

The Spaniard struggled during his spell at Arsenal after replacing Arsene Wenger. However, he has won major trophies at PSG, Sevilla and Villarreal.

And Carragher told Sky Sports: “I think it would be a fantastic appointment. I’m a huge fan of Unai Emery.

“If you look at his career he’s had success with teams just below the elite. Those teams almost fighting with the bigger clubs.

“It didn’t go well for him at Arsenal but you look at what he did at Villarreal.

“No disrespect but he’s not the type of manager for Barcelona or Real Madrid. But he can compete against big teams with more money.

“He gets teams organised and he’s a super coach. For Aston Villa right now, that would be a great appointment.”

Emery will be out of contract next summer and has yet to sign a new deal with Villarreal.

The other potential name in the frame for the Villa job is Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim. However, he has indicated that he does not want to leave Portugal.

Carragher unhappy with Villa fans

Meanwhile, Carragher has criticised Aston Villa fans for ‘crossing the line’ with their chants towards Gerrard before the former Villa boss was sacked.

Speaking on Monday Night Football, Carragher admitted it was the right decision for Villa to part company with his good mate. However, he feels the abuse Gerrard received at Craven Cottage last weekend was uncalled for.

Supporters from the way end could be heard singing: ‘Steven Gerrard, get out of our club’. And also ‘You’ll never work again’.

And Carragher told MNF: “With the reaction of the crowd, I think there was no way Stevie could’ve gone into the game on Sunday on the back of those chants and the discontent from Villa supporters.

“I’m not saying this because he’s a friend. I think that supporters who pay money and go away midweek – 100 per cent they’re allowed to voice their concerns and it hasn’t been going well.

“They’ve felt it’s been a little bit dull and not exciting enough. I just felt that some of the chants at the end, and maybe because he’s my mate, I think they crossed the line a little bit.”

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