For a little while, at least to the untrained observer, it may have appeared to be eroding. Instead, with the dust settling and vision once again clear, you suspect they are strong as ever. That’s not to say Monchi’s exit, after little more than two years as president of football operations, isn’t big news. He was also on Villa’s original shortlist to become president of football operations before Monchi was appointed in June, 2023. That particular list was drawn up by Emery and Villa’s then chief of staff, Damian Vidagany, with some input from co-owner, Nassef Sawiris.