Aston Villa manager Unai Emery addressed the media on Friday ahead of their Premier League showdown against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. Emery discussed a range of topics, from the club’s transfer dealings to the challenge of balancing Premier League and Champions League commitments. Here’s a breakdown of his key points.
Transfer Window Satisfaction
Emery expressed his satisfaction with Aston Villa’s activity during the transfer window, highlighting that the club’s plans were successfully executed. He mentioned the return of key players like Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara, and Emi Buendia, who are all gradually recovering from injuries. Emery’s comments suggest a contentment with the squad’s composition as they gear up for the season ahead.
Ollie Watkins’ Fitness
Addressing concerns about striker Ollie Watkins, Emery acknowledged that Watkins had a shorter break due to international duties and returned with a minor injury. While Watkins has not been at his peak, Emery is optimistic that the striker will find his form soon. He noted that Watkins had two good chances in recent games, and although he didn’t score, the fact that he is creating opportunities is a positive sign.
Premier League and Champions League Ambitions
When asked about the club’s ambitions, Emery was realistic but hopeful. He admitted that reaching the top four in the Premier League while also competing in the Champions League is a formidable challenge. However, he emphasized the excitement and motivation within the squad to compete at the highest levels. Emery pointed out that last season’s narrow margin over Tottenham Hotspur underscores the competitiveness of the league.
Youri Tielemans’ Return to Leicester
Emery spoke highly of Youri Tielemans, who will be returning to his former club Leicester City. He praised Tielemans for his growing influence within the team and mentioned how the midfielder had provided insights about the atmosphere they could expect at Leicester. Emery also reflected on Leicester’s remarkable Premier League title win in 2016, noting that it serves as an inspiration for clubs like Aston Villa.
Leicester City: A Tough Opponent
Looking ahead to the match, Emery acknowledged the challenges Leicester City poses. He noted their strong performance against Tottenham, despite not winning, and warned of the threat posed by Jamie Vardy. Emery emphasized the importance of respecting Leicester and staying focused on the details to overcome their tactical structure.
Champions League Draw: A Special Moment
The Champions League draw has brought excitement to the Aston Villa camp, and Emery couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. He recalled the club’s historic European Cup victory over Bayern Munich and expressed a desire to create new memories for the supporters. Emery is particularly looking forward to the clashes against Bayern Munich, Juventus, Bologna, and Celtic, which he believes will be special moments for the club.
In summary, Unai Emery’s press conference reflected a manager who is pleased with his squad’s progress and cautiously optimistic about the challenges ahead. As Aston Villa prepares to take on Leicester City, Emery’s focus is on ensuring his team is well-prepared, both tactically and mentally, for the demands of competing on multiple fronts