Aston Villa boss Emery: We face new challenge against Man Utd

Posted Saturday, February 10, 2024 by Tribalfootball.com

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery admits he wants a response from his players on Sunday against Manchester United.

Villa host United on Sunday, having lost at home to Chelsea in the FA Cup during the week.

Emery said: "It's a new challenge for us, it's a new challenge for our supporters and it's a new challenge in Villa Park to feel strong like we were.

“This is a challenge. We have to be together, we have to use our positive energy – everybody. Each individual fan has to support us with their energy.

“We're going to try to connect with them, playing being demanding, being successful and trying to get our performance on the pitch. Even like that, it's going to be a very, very difficult match because they will need to get points and close the difference to us in the table.

“When we're facing matches like this – of course we have to be consistent in 38 matches – but it's six points (the gap) and a key match.

“We have to try to create a great atmosphere with our supporters.

“I believe in our way and how we are facing each match in the Premier League. Even being consistent, sometimes we are not getting our good performances but, overall, we are doing it.

“On Sunday, I'm optimistic. I know the preparation from minute one to minute 90 and how we have to play the match being very focused, being respectful of them and playing an intelligent match."

On United, he also said: “My concern and analysis of them is trying to understand their gameplan and to understand their qualities, collectively and individually.

“We have to try to stop them, starting with the goalkeeper because his build up is fantastic. Their centre-backs like to play, building up and controlling ball possession, trying to get good combinations on the pitch.

“Luke Shaw is very dangerous and Diogo Dalot is in a good moment. Casemiro is a very important player for them; they have very good wingers and strikers and that is my concern.

“The most important thing for me, individually and collectively, as a coach is to prepare trying to stop them."