Jurgen Klopp aims dig at Arsenal as Liverpool boss praises 'incredible' job Unai Emery has done with Aston Villa

Emery, who Arsenal sacked in November 2019 after 18 months in charge, has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround at Villa since taking over from Steven Gerrard in October 2022. During his time in charge of the Gunners, a string of poor performances, including a winless streak of seven matches across all competitions, led to his departure from the Emirates after succeeding legendary manager Arsene Wenger. Klopp, though, has suggested that was incredibly harsh.

At Villa, Emery has transformed the team's fortunes. The Spaniard guided them away from relegation concerns to European football within the space of two seasons, with Villa now pushing for a Champions League spot. They remain in control of their own destiny in the race for fourth, given they have a seven-point advantage over fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs do, though, have a game in hand.

Klopp lauded Emery as one of the best managers in the business, highlighting his tactical acumen and track record of success with Sevilla, and attempted a veiled dig at Arsenal in the same breath.

"He is one of the best we have in the business," said Klopp.

"Some clubs weren't ready to wait for it, but looking back, maybe these clubs would have made different decisions. I've known him for so long. He always had a clear idea. Won plenty of times with Sevilla.

"Really tricky with Villarreal. He always organises his team really well. The job he is doing is absolutely exceptional. We all know how difficult it is to qualify for the Champions League and that he will probably do that is absolutely exceptional."

Emery's impact has been so significant that he was nominated for the Premier League's Manager of the Year Award. However, the 6-2 aggregate defeat to Olympiakos on Thursday night in the Europa Conference League will have been a disappointment, given the manager's previous success in Europe. Indeed, he won the Europa League three times with Sevilla, before winning it again with Villarreal in 2021.

As Klopp prepares to face Emery's Villa in the penultimate game of his Liverpool tenure, the mutual respect and admiration between the two managers is clear. The two teams clash on Monday evening at Villa Park.