Unai Emery has confirmed that he has made a major decision regarding Emi Martinez
23:11, 06 Nov 2025Updated 23:17, 06 Nov 2025
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Unai Emery has confirmed that Emi Martínez is no longer Aston Villa’s vice-captain.
The goalkeeper used to take the armband whenever John McGinn was not on the pitch, including leading the team out when the Scot was not starting.
However, against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Ezri Konsa led the team out wearing the captain’s armband, as McGinn started from the bench.
It was unusual not to see Martínez at the front of the line, but Konsa’s leadership qualities have grown over the past 18 months.
The main reason Konsa was vice-captain against Maccabi, however, was due to a conversation Emery had with Martínez.
The Villa boss revealed after full-time on Thursday night that he had spoken with his goalkeeper about his now-former role as vice-captain.
“The first captain is John McGinn,” Emery started. “We decided how we are, as well as managing the next captain.
“Usually, we have another captain, Emi Martinez, as second captain. But now, after speaking with him, I prefer to get him back.
“Konsa is the next one. Tyrone Mings, with Ollie Watkins too. Normally, we are managing it like that.”
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