Head coach Unai Emery of Aston Villa has been speaking ahead of Sunday afternoon’s trip to West Ham United.
The Spaniard wants to keep his team capable of mounting a comeback. This season, they have not yet experienced consecutive losses in the Premier League.
Villa defeated Ajax with a strong midweek performance, securing a quarterfinal matchup with Lille.
Emery, who is renowned for his keen attention to detail, has acknowledged that he has to be more “clinical” in all of his tactical choices.
Unai Emery sends message to two Aston Villa players
The Spaniard began his press conference by complimenting David Moyes’ squad, who is also participating in Europe this season, according to Aston Villa’s official website.
“They are being consistent, and they are being successful in Europe – last year they won the Conference League,” he said. In the league, they are being consistent and contenders to try and be in the top seven teams.”
Unai Emery: "We are going to respect them a lot and it's a big challenge." 🗣️
🔜 #WHUAVL
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 15, 2024
Emery added: “Sunday is very important for us and for them as well. We’re going to respect them a lot. It’s a big challenge for us to keep being consistent away, to keep being focused in each competition and trying to get the best performances.”
He also admitted that he needs to be cut-throat with some of his decisions.
“My objective is to recover with the players and prepare as best as possible for the match on Sunday and to be competitive on Sunday because the only way to win there is being competitive,” he said. “I also need to be clinical in every decision I take tactically.”
The Spaniard also sent a clear message to Ollie Watkins and to his £12million teammate Ezri Konsa, with the two players set to represent England next week.
“The players have to be ready, always being professional: playing matches, recovering, being intelligent,” he said.
“Playing next week in the break with their national teams, we have a lot of players. Some are debuting in Europe this year, but they are playing in their national teams too – for example, Watkins and Konsa.”
Can Aston Villa make a comeback?
This team has demonstrated time and time again that they are capable of coming back, and at the London Stadium, that shouldn’t alter.
This season, Villa should try to take advantage of the Hammers’ inconsistent play, especially at home. The primary topic of conversation is Ollie Watkins’ current state of fitness. In the event that the 28-year-old is unavailable, Jhon Duran might get a chance to play.
The Villa Park supporters were treated to a glimpse of the Colombian’s full-fledged cameo against Ajax, which demonstrated his versatility in a claret and blue shirt. Starting against a West Ham team that has been somewhat inconsistent may be a great opportunity for the 20-year-old.