'It's true' - Nicolo Zaniolo makes stunning Liverpool and Man City admission

Aston Villa ace Nicolo Zaniolo has spoken to the media during the international break.
Charlie Haffenden
By Charlie Haffenden
Published 26th Mar 2024, 08:40 BST
Updated 26th Mar 2024, 08:50 BST
Zaniolo believes Emery is at a similar level to Klopp, Guardiola and Mourinho.Zaniolo believes Emery is at a similar level to Klopp, Guardiola and Mourinho.
Zaniolo believes Emery is at a similar level to Klopp, Guardiola and Mourinho.

Aston Villa attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo has lauded manager Unai Emery, making a stunning comparison to some of the best coaches on the planet.

Despite being frustrated by a lack of minutes since signing on a season-long loan from Galatasaray, the Italy international has the utmost respect for his boss. Villa are unlikely to activate their option to buy Zaniolo in the summer but the 24-year-old, formerly of AS Roma and Inter Milan, still has time to change the club's mind.

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A recent goalscorer in the 1-1 draw away at West Ham United before the international break, Zaniolo rewarded Emery for a brave substitution. He hadn't netted since December 22 but replaced exciting youngster Morgan Rogers just after the hour mark and swept in the equaliser 16 minutes later.

Zaniolo has since praised Emery, marking a resemblance between the Spaniard and managers at Manchester City and Liverpool. "Unai Emery is one of the best managers in the world, at the same level of Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho," Zaniolo told Corriere dello Sport.

Zaniolo believes Emery is at a similar level to Klopp, Guardiola and Mourinho.Zaniolo believes Emery is at a similar level to Klopp, Guardiola and Mourinho.
Zaniolo believes Emery is at a similar level to Klopp, Guardiola and Mourinho.

"It's true, I'm not having a lot of game time and I was expecting more. But I'm honest enough to say that Emery is a world class coach. I'm focused on Aston Villa, then Galatasaray will decide my future. I'm grateful to Monchi who wanted to bring me here," Zaniolo continued.

The Italian also spoke of a desire to move back to his home nation, with a return to Roma touted. Transferring to Lazio would be off the cards, though, given his affiliation with the other Rome outfit. Signing for Villa permanently cannot be ruled out but it remains highly unlikely.

Related topics:Man CityLiverpoolUnai EmeryPep GuardiolaJose MourinhoJurgen KloppItaly

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