Villareal and former Arsenal manager Unai Emery has called for more patience for current Gunners boss Mikel Arteta ahead of the team’s clash with Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League semi-final on Thursday evening.

Emery was appointed the manager of Villarreal in 2020 after leading Arsenal to the final of the Europa League in 2019, where the Gunners lost 4-1 to Chelsea in the final played in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The Spaniard is also the most successful manager in the competition’s history, having won 3 Europa League titles with Sevilla.

He believes that Mike Arteta is the perfect appointment for the London club.

“It’s a question of patience. I think it’s a perfect marriage, Arteta is a great manager,  and you can see a clear identity of a gameplan.” Emery said.

The Yellow Submarines recently lost 2-1 to Barcelona in the La Liga at the weekend and have lost their last two matches, including a 2-1 loss to Alaves.

Villareal defeated Dinamo Zagreb, who knocked out Arsenal’s London rivals Tottenham in the round of 16.

Meanwhile, the Gunners also lost their last game against Everton in the Premier League with a 1-0 scoreline. At the weekend.

Arsenal also needs to win the Europa League as it is their only chance of playing in Europe next season.

Meanwhile, in the second UEFA Europa League match to be played on Thursday, Manchester United will play against Italian side Roma.

In the La Liga on Wednesday, Atletico Bilbao was held to a 2-2 draw by Real Valladolid. Jon Morcilla gave the hosts an early lead in the 14th minute of the game.

The visitors thought they had scored four minutes before the break, but Shon Weissman’s goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.

Fabian Orellana finally equalized in the 70th minute before Raul Garcia put the hosts back in front six minutes later, but Real took a point through Weissman in the final minute of the game.

Barcelona will face Granada at home at Camp Nou on Thursday.