Revealed: The bizarre reason that contributed to Aston Villa chief Monchi leaving Unai Emery's side

Villa confirmed Monchi's exit on Tuesday, with the club 18th in the Premier League after a winless start to the campaign. He will, however, remain in an advisory role at Emery's team. The club's failure to reach this season's Champions League has hit them hard in terms of what they can spend due to the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. But how has a relationship that looked so fruitful come apart at the seams?

On Tuesday, Cadena Ser, via Sport Witness, claimed that Monchi decided to leave Villa due to disagreements with the club. Now, Diario de Sevilla state that there was an 'emotional factor' behind this move and also that the inclement weather in Birmingham had an impact as well. The report adds that sporting and financial aspects have ‘created a perfect climate’ for Monchi to return to Spain, too.

The newspaper article reads: "The grey skies of Birmingham have had as much, if not more, influence on Monchi’s decision than Aston Villa’s poor start, which has only been able to invest around €30m due to exceeding the Premier League’s fair play rules, where it has the lowest salary cap of the 20 teams. Roberto Olabe, a close associate of Unai Emery, is replacing him at Villa Park."

Villa, who are owned by V Sports, did praise Monchi for his work since joining from Sevilla in 2023. 

"Firstly, I would like to thank Monchi for his hard work and invaluable contribution as president of football operations during an exciting period at Aston Villa," chairman Nassef Sawiris said. "His commitment and vision has directly contributed to the club's recent successes, reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League as well as qualifying for Europe for three consecutive seasons. We are delighted that Roberto is joining Aston Villa. He has built a reputation as someone who can spot talent that can be developed and we look forward to supporting him to achieve the ambitions we have for V Sports and Aston Villa."

And Monchi added: "We have enjoyed so many special moments together and I look forward to continuing to support V Sports in an advisory role."

Villa, who have scored just one goal this term, will hope to secure their first win of the season when they begin their Europa League campaign on Thursday at home to Bologna. They then host Fulham on Sunday in the Premier League.