Unai Emery
Many players from the senior squad have received international call-ups for their respective countries. Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa are set to represent England this month. Additionally, Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana, Jhon Duran, Ian Maatsen, Pau Torres, Kosta Nedeljkovic, Joe Gauci, and Robin Olsen will also participate for their national teams. However, Emi Martinez has not been called-up by Argentina due to a two-game ban, and Leon Bailey was not included in the Jamaica team. John McGinn, currently injured, will miss Scotland’s October internationals but remains hopeful of returning to action against Fulham in two weeks.
Jaden Philogene and Morgan Rogers have once again been selected for the England Under-21 team for this month’s EURO 2025 qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan. Unai Emery, however, had previously criticized this decision concerning Rogers. When asked if his stance had changed, Emery clarified his views.
Unai Emery said, “It is not changing. He is 22 years old. He can play under-21s but it is not his place. Now he is playing at a level where he is an option to select for the first team, not the second team, clearly 100 per cent. Of course, I have to respect it but I don’t agree.”
He further elaborated on his philosophy regarding players and national teams.
Unai Emery added, “Usually when they are with the national team I am not speaking with the players. I don’t want to disrupt them or get myself as a coach involved in something which isn’t my moment. When they are with the national team they have their own coaches there and I respect those coaches. I don’t like it when we are here some coaches are calling the players, as sometimes happens. I don’t like it. I tell the players, I don’t like it when you are here and the national team coaches call. You have to be focused here and when we are finishing on Sunday at 4pm and you are going there, I am not going to call.”
Emery expressed his belief regarding Rogers’ potential.
Unai Emery said, “I think he [Rogers] is now in the only way to play with the first national team. They are not calling him, which I respect. But 22-years-old and playing with the under-21s is not the best way for him.”
