Emery gets reward for Champions League place

Unai Emery has been granted a one-year contract extension as manager of Valencia, the Spanish club has announced.

Emery has put pen to paper on a new deal tying him to Valencia until June 30, 2012, rewarding him for guiding the club to the Champions League for a second successive year.

That Emery managed to do so despite the absence of star players David Villa and David Silva – sold to ease financial strain at the club – makes the achievement all the more remarkable.

Expectations of Valencia were tempered prior to the season given the loss of Villa and Silva, but Emery still managed to lead his side to a third-place finish in La Liga behind Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Valencia President Manuel Llorente was delighted to have retained the services of his coach, who he believes can take the club to even greater heights in the next campaign.

“Unai has proven himself. To go directly into the Champions League is very valuable and we greatly appreciate his desire to improve us and his ability to do so,” Llorente said.

“We are growing, giving hope and joy to the fans. The challenge is to take another step forward in performance and be better every year and Unai is ambitious.”

“He has all the requirements and the confidence of the club.”

Emery added: “I am very happy to have another year with one of the best clubs in the world. It is my intention to keep developing this club and that project drives me.”

“The goal we have set is to improve and take further steps to make the most of our performance. We have a great team and they can give us great joy.”