Unai, did you deserve more today?
I don’t know. You can analyse the 90 mins in different ways and moments. The first half we played very well because to avoid the high pressing is not easy. Play with personality doing it, is not easy. We did it. We were holding out line really well and staying focused. We decided first half to go and win the match. The second half they pushed more, we lost our ball possession. We didn’t get good transition to create clear cut chances. We had two from McGinn, but they were more in our box and we needed our defence low. To get three points would have been fantastic, but this draw, I knew could happen in one moment. With 10 mins of stoppage time was difficult to keep the side quiet with their fans behind them. But our commitment was fantastic.
Europe and that seventh place is in your hands now, how do you feel?
I’m very proud. We had a challenge I challenged the players three months ago when we escaped from the bottom, but not clearly. I was telling them my objective was to progressively get top-10 position and then try to be competitive and try to arrive in the last match against Brighton, maybe playing for something. With 7 places available for Europe, we were thinking, if we were competitive away and at home like we were, to challenge it The players really did it. We are now so motivated now.
Unai, you’re a knock-out specialist, next week feels like a knock-out game knowing Villa will secure European football with a win. How special would that be?
OK… but life is present and the next is the future. Of course, we are really competitive. Today, I’ve played at Anfield before and know how difficult it is. They’ve been in the best moment in the season, playing for the top four. I’m very proud of our work because we prepared the match really focusing on being consistent like we have been. Playing with a personality like we did in the first half. Then, being committed in the second half like we did. Really, the challenge I had with the players for the match today is amazing. They did it. It’s very important for our supporters who are also going to be motivated like us. They’re going to enjoy this week trying to get one European places. It will be fantastic but, of course, playing with my experiences, my proper experiences, we will try to use them next Sunday. But, you know, Brighton are playing amazing football, amazing, they’re being very competitive. I’m going to enjoy today and enjoy the next week preparing the next match and share with the club, players and supporters at Villa Park on Sunday.
Is Alex Moreno OK? What about Diego Carlos?
It’s difficult because normally he’ll be injured (for next week). Yesterday, Diego Carlos as well had a small injury. We don’t know if we can get him available for next week. Alex Moreno as well but I think he’ll be more difficult to be ready. It’s a small injury but I don’t think he’ll be available for Sunday.
Unai, when you see your team playing like that, like you said, against a team who have been having their best time this season, and when you’ve seen the improvements your team has made since you’ve been here, is the top four a realistic aim going forward, for a club of this size?
Now it is difficult because they’re a top seven. Other teams as well want to add to try to get those positions. We are in this idea as well. We have to be optimistic, do our work in our way. This year was not our objective to get a European position. We are going to add this opportunity next week. We escaped from the bottom and this was fantastic. The top 10 position was fantastic and we’re adding to it now. We will prepare this week to try to work every day, enjoying and being motivated for next week. The club is continuing to work and trying to be ambitious for the next years. We have to be very demanding. Then we have to create and build a strong structure in all areas.
