Context: Unai Emery’s Pre-Match Press Conference
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery addressed the media at Bodymoor Heath ahead of the team’s Premier League match against Ipswich Town on Sunday (2pm). Villa is looking to secure their fifth league win in six matches as they face newly-promoted Ipswich, who are yet to win this season but are unbeaten in their last three games.
Unai Emery on the Progress of Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara:
Emery: “The plan with them is to try and start playing with the under-21s next week for 45 minutes. After the break, they will be available if everything goes well.”
Context: Delayed Implementation of Semi-Automated VAR
When asked about the delay in implementing semi-automated VAR, Emery expressed his support for the technology and its ongoing improvements.
Emery on VAR:
Emery: “I believe in VAR and with everything they are trying to add, increasing and being better.”
Context: Team’s Recent Performance and Need for Improvement
Emery reflected on Villa’s performance last week, particularly the match against Wolves, and emphasized the importance of constantly adapting and improving tactically.
Emery on Areas of Improvement:
Emery: “Every match we are playing has been a different plan. The game plan is to adapt and impose our game plan. Ipswich is different and difficult, like the matches we are playing. We are trying to build a team and get stronger tactically with players. Some are in the process. We want to increase our level individually and collectively and it is being positive because we are getting points in this way. But of course, we have to improve a lot of things. The match against Wolves was very good to analyze deeply. Sometimes we are winning but we are needing to change something to get the result we want.”
Context: Jhon Duran’s Progress and Potential
Emery discussed the development of Jhon Duran, who impressed in the recent Carabao Cup match.
Emery on Duran:
Emery: “He is involving and focusing like I want and he is playing with strong impact. Playing like he did on Tuesday, he played fantastic for 90 mins in the Carabao Cup match. My challenge is to get the best of him as a striker, playing with Watkins as well. The idea is to play more together. We will get performances individually and collectively with both players.”
Context: The Importance of Every Match
Emery reiterated the importance of focusing on each game and not looking too far ahead.
Emery on Match Preparation:
Emery: “Thinking only the next match is Ipswich. I can repeat from the beginning of pre-season how important every match is because the last two years, we got the Europa Conference League after being one point difference to Brentford. Then it was two points different with Tottenham and we are playing for these points every match. At the end of the season, we don’t want to remind ourselves of some moments where we weren’t focused for some points. Only [we are thinking about] Ipswich Town and focusing a lot. Not thinking about the next match or next week.”
Context: Analysis of Ipswich Town
Emery praised Ipswich’s tactical organization and aggressive playing style, highlighting the challenge they present.
Emery on Ipswich’s Strengths:
Emery: “They are playing really well. They played well against Liverpool and Fulham. They are aggressive in high press, aggressive in duels. The goalkeeper is playing very well and we have to respect them. The coach is doing amazing in his work. Tactically they are showing a very good structure. I am analyzing deeply their structure for Sunday.”
Context: Emery’s Influence on Duran’s Development
Emery elaborated on Duran’s progress and the responsibility he feels to nurture the young striker.
Emery on Duran’s Development:
Emery: “He’s a good guy. He is young, he is impatient sometimes because he wants everything so quick. Now he is focusing 100 per cent same as me. We started working together almost two years ago in the January. The progress and responsibility I have with him is a huge responsibility because I believe in him. But, of course, sometimes going up, sometimes down. Sometimes he’s strong, sometimes he’s not playing every minute he is expecting. He is working every day like other players. The most important thing is for him to be in the squad and then his quality and potential… I can’t tell you now how much potential he has. It is not fixed.”
