Unai Emery
Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash has opened up about his experiences under manager Unai Emery, highlighting the detailed and rigorous nature of the tactical meetings conducted by the coaching staff. Cash shared insights into how these sessions have significantly influenced his understanding of football and contributed to the team’s success.
Matty Cash said: “I do a lot of personal work with the coaches, but we have had some long video sessions with him. At least 80 or 90 minutes is a standard one. You tend to find that the longer videos happen when you are winning. Normally you’d think that when you are losing the videos would be longer, but actually it’s when you are winning. They are good because you learn from them, and we are doing them every week.”
Matty Cash continued: “A standard video would be the night before a game, and it would be the last game we played. It would basically be the whole game. It would include every single action, when we are attacking and defending. He will go through it himself, detailing what we should have done at that moment. If we are on the attack and we have played a pass, but it’s not the right pass, he will stop the video and put loads of arrows to where we should have put it. It improves you because you think that next time you’re in this position, maybe last week you played it there, but then after he shows us, you respond to it.”
Matty Cash added: “That’s why we are where we are, because he is so meticulous with it, being so on point with what and where we need to improve. I have a really good relationship with him and the coaches. The coaches have helped me do that as well. There’s been a lot of work on the field and off the field too to improve. He is really good to work with. He is really demanding and challenging, so every day you need to be focused. No late nights!”
Emery’s approach to tactical analysis is evidently comprehensive, focusing on both successful and unsuccessful plays to ensure continuous learning and improvement. The emphasis on detailed video analysis, even after victories, underscores Emery’s commitment to maintaining high standards and pushing the team to reach new heights. Cash’s comments reflect the positive impact of this methodical approach on his development as a player, as well as the overall performance of the team.
The meticulous nature of these sessions is a testament to Emery’s managerial style, which has been pivotal in Aston Villa’s recent performances. By fostering a culture of learning and adaptation, Emery ensures that players like Cash are well-prepared and constantly evolving in their roles. This strategic focus not only enhances individual player skills but also strengthens the team’s cohesion and tactical execution on the field.