Unai Emery has ruled himself out of contention to be Newcastle United’s next manager, saying he is “100%” committed to Villarreal.
The former Arsenal boss confirmed on Tuesday he had been approached by the Premier League club, who made him their first choice to replace Steve Bruce.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Emery said Villarreal is “my home”.
“I am grateful for the interest of a great club, but even more grateful to be here,” he wrote.
Emery thanked Villarreal president Fernando Roig and his family for their support, adding: “No matter how much noise there was yesterday in another country, within the club there was transparency and loyalty with the Roig family and with my squad, and for me it is the most important thing.
“Villarreal is my home and I am 100% committed.
“That is why I communicated to Fernando Roig my decision to want to continue being part of this project because of the commitment and respect that I perceive from the club and from my players, which is mutual and reciprocal.”
Newcastle had hoped to have the Spaniard in place by the weekend.
Instead, their manager search continues, with former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and Paulo Fonseca, who left Roma in May, possible alternatives.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague says those advising Emery were left feeling uncertain about the club’s strategy, with stories in England emerging that the shortlist was down to him and Howe – two men with contrasting approaches and vastly different levels of experience within European football.
“Emery felt a huge pressure on the day of their match [a 2-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League on Tuesday],” said Balague.
“And then there was the lack of a clear vision from the club. If you want him, do you approach him in such a rushed way, without an official offer and with it coming out from the English side that it is all practically done?
“Also, the different number and style of the candidates being considered appears to be a sign of a confused vision. That was a concern to some of those involved in conversations with the club hierarchy.”
