Monchi: Q&A with Villa's President of Football Operations

Aston Villa appointed Ramón Rodriguez Verdejo ‘Monchi’ as the club’s new President of Football Operations in June.

And the Spaniard sat down with club media recently to discuss his first few months at Villa, why he wanted to join the project, his day-to-day role, working with head coach Unai Emery and much more.

Read what Monchi had to say in our Q&A below…

Welcome to Aston Villa, how have you settled into your first three months at the club?

“The feelings of these first few months have been magnificent.

“The adaptation to a new city, new club, new team-mates has all been very quick and easy since everyone has tried to facilitate in this initial period.

“I must thank all the people who work with the first team for their help and support.”

What attracted you to the project here at Aston Villa?

“A lot. The present and future project offered by Aston Villa was key in my decision.

“My initial idea was to rest for a while after finishing my time with Sevilla FC, but when the possibility of Aston Villa arose, I didn’t hesitate for a moment because from everything I heard from both Unai and Damian as well as Nassef and Wes, this quickly generated a lot of excitement in me.”

How key was Unai Emery in your decision to join the club?

“Obviously, the presence of Unai has been almost the decisive reason to come to Birmingham.

“He is currently one of the top-level coaches in the world of football, with an infinite capacity to work and an eagerness to continue growing.

“I have also worked with with him and a large part of his team (Javi, Pablo, Victor, Moises…) previously, for three-and-a-half years in Seville, where we achieved very important sporting achievements.”

Is a good relationship with the head coach the key to success?

“It is fundamental.

“Working together, in the same direction and with the same goals is key to achieving any future success.

“Each fulfilling their role but also trying to add and contribute to the work of the other.”

Could you explain what your role entails and how it fits into the structure at Aston Villa?

“I assume the role of President of Football Operations.

“Fundamentally, my work, together with Damian Vidagany, will be to support the needs and everything that involves the first team.

“As well as directing and coordinating the sporting side of the club, following the economic guidelines set by Nassef and Wes, as owners of the club, who will also be responsible for the development of the club.

“And also the sporting guidelines set by Unai Emery, head of the sports section.”

How closely will you work with Unai and Damian on a day-to-day basis?

“Very closely.

“We must work together and be very coordinated. Damian and I must understand Unai’s needs at all times and always be able to give him answers and solutions.

“For this reason, the three of us should work completely aligned.”

What conversations have you had with the owners, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens? 

“I spoke with Nassef on several occasions before arriving and once I arrived, I practically speak to him every day.

“He is a person who is very present during the day-to-day running of the club. I spoke to Wes during the US tour and he gave a great impression.”

Tell us about yourself and your football career so far?

“I played as a goalkeeper for 10 seasons in the first team and then from there I spent a year as a representative.

“In 2000 I started my career as a Director of Football, I was at Sevilla FC for 21 years and I spent two years at Roma - winning 11 trophies, seven in the Europa League, two cups, a Spanish Super Cup and a European Super Cup, and also played in a Champions League semi-final with Roma.”

A large body of your work has been in Spanish football, does the profile of what is required from a Premier League footballer change the way you need to operate? And how much are you enjoying working in the Premier League?

“I don’t think it should change much because the structure of English football, at the level of the Scouting Department, big data, analysis…is already very similar to those used in Spain.

“I am very happy with everything I have found here.”

In terms of recruitment, are you always working two/three windows ahead or is there more of an emphasis on the here and now?

“There was no time for adaptation, and we tried to succeed in this transfer window with the information that was already in the club and that I could provide.

“The help of the Scouting Department; Rob, Bryn, Joseph, Adam…and Football Research; Frederik and Arjav have been very important.”

Tell us about our five summer signings and what they will bring to the squad - Youri, Pau, Moussa, Nicolò and Clement?

“I think all of them have something important and necessary to offer at this time, they have needed little adaptation to be able to give their best performances.

“They are all international players and I think that, together with those who were already in the squad, they will provide options for the coach.”

It was a busy summer window with plenty of activity both in and out of the club, how do you reflect on it overall?

“It has been a very complicated and hard-working summer, but I think we should be satisfied with what we have done, as we have kept all the important players plus the arrival of the five.

“The sales have basically been to balance our FFP, but in most cases we have repurchase options, so I think we have covered our backs.

“I am happy with the work we have done, and I want to congratulate all the people involved, especially Sharon and Damian and the entire Communications Department and Player Care Department.”