The Aston Villa manager, speaking at the ADN Sport Awards hosted by Diario Marca, was asked about his future ambitions following Villa's Europa League triumph — the 54-year-old's fifth continental title and the most decorated managerial haul in the competition's history.
"One is where they want them," Emery said. "Every step I've taken as a manager has been to places where they want me to be.
"From there, I live very much in the intensity of each day. Month by month. But possibly one day being a national team manager could also appeal to me. Until now I haven't had that feeling of being close. Logically, Spain, of course."
The comments are notable in their candour. Emery had previously avoided any suggestion he was thinking beyond Villa, consistently pointing to his commitment to the Midlands club. He signed a contract extension at Villa Park earlier this year.
Spain are currently managed by Luis de la Fuente, who guided the nation to the Euro 2024 title and has his squad in strong shape ahead of the World Cup 2026.
When asked about De la Fuente's team directly, Emery was warm in his assessment.
"Spain has a great team and a great coach. Logically, we all want to see the successes of the Spanish national team. We will enjoy watching the World Cup and will try to support and be with Spain's victories," he said.
Emery also addressed the comparison between LaLiga and the Premier League, praising both competitions without tipping one decisively over the other.
"LaLiga is a very powerful brand. You can compare it with the Premier League in terms of achievements, impact, and how each league has its global reach. The Premier is the most powerful competition. But Spain has a very important place, it can be on a par at times. And at the same time it produces many good players and many good coaches. In the Premier League we also have the good fortune that they buy the Spanish product."
Emery's latest title completes a remarkable rehabilitation at the highest level following his difficult spell at Arsenal between 2018 and 2019. He has now won the Europa League with four different clubs — Sevilla three times, Villarreal, and Villa — a record without precedent.
The Spain job is not vacant. But when Emery says a door is open, it tends to matter.