Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers hails Unai Emery's 'courage' ahead of Aston Villa showdown

Rodgers, who faces Emery's Villa in a much-anticipated Champions League showdown on Wednesday night, was shocked by the manner in which the Spaniard became a figure of fun during his first spell in English football at Arsenal.

And he believes the success the four-time Europa League winner has enjoyed since returning and taking charge of Villa in November 2022 should come as no surprise. 

He said: “You only need to look at his body of work, to see he is a top class coach. 

“He had the bravery and courage to come back to England when people tried to knock him and make fun of him, his record and his work, which I found incredible at the time. 

“It has been brilliant to see him come here and clearly he feels wanted and appreciated. You see the work he has done on the pitch with the players and you sense the club has been built around him.”

Emery, who was sacked after just 18 months in charge of the Gunners, took Villa into the Champions League for the first time in his first full season in charge.

Rodgers, who won his last three meetings with Emery while in charge of Leicester, continued: “Within football there wasn’t doubt because you only needed to look at his body of work, over such a long period of time. 

“Everything which gets highlighted in our media and press, I am sure that was a challenge for him but there was no doubt he is a top manager. 

“To come here and see the work he has done I am just so happy for him because you see how the team has played and how the club has really grown. 

“The owners have come in and invested and that has enabled the club to grow. 

For that you still need a top coach to maximise what you can get and he has certainly done that.” 

Celtic arrive at Villa Park already assured of a place in next month’s play-off round but Rodgers insists it is not yet a case of “job complete” for his team. Defender Cameron Carter-Vickers misses out through injury, while Daizen Maeda is suspended and striker Kyogo Furuhashi has been sold to Rennes for £10million.

“We are playing against a very, very good side with some brilliant players,” said Rodgers. “It’s a challenge we are looking forward to.”