As Aston Villa gears up for a pivotal match against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League, manager Unai Emery addressed the media at the Red Bull Arena, sharing insights and updates ahead of the encounter.
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Injury Updates: Bailey and Ramsey’s Status
Emery confirmed that winger Leon Bailey will miss the match due to a minor injury, stating, “He’s not available for tomorrow. We will wait for the next match on Saturday.” Meanwhile, midfielder Jacob Ramsey is on the mend but still weeks away from returning to action.
Facing the Challenge: A Tough Opponent Awaits
Reflecting on the upcoming clash, Emery expressed confidence and motivation within the squad. “Tomorrow is day six and it’s very important because we can feel we’re close to the next round, but we have the opportunity to be in the top eight,” he said.
Emery acknowledged the strength of RB Leipzig, noting their difficult journey in the competition thus far. “They’ve played against Liverpool, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and Celtic and have yet to secure a point. Tomorrow is an opportunity for them to get some chance to be in the next round.”
He added, “I like matches like that because it’s a key match for them to get to the next round, playing with their supporters. The atmosphere will be fantastic for them, and we have our supporters here helping us.” Emery emphasized the importance of how his team responds to the challenging environment and the quality of the opposition.
Striker Dynamics: Watkins and Durán
Emery highlighted the talents of his strikers, Ollie Watkins and Jhon Durán. He praised Watkins for his consistency and experience, stating, “He’s getting more experiences with the national team and with us in Europe, being competitive always in everything we need on the field.”
On Durán, Emery noted the young striker’s potential and progress. “His adaptation started two years ago and it’s much better than the process we had. On Saturday he scored a very important goal for us.” Emery is keen on finding a tactical balance that allows both players to shine on the pitch.
Expectations for the Match: Learning from Experience
Emery outlined his expectations for the match, emphasizing enjoyment and learning from past experiences in Europe. “Even when we lost away against Brugge, it was very good to learn how difficult it is the challenge we faced last year and this year. Tomorrow is a new test.”
He continued, “To be consistent as a team is our challenge. This is how we can face our expectations in this competition and how we can increase our level.” Emery’s focus remains on maintaining high performance levels in both the Champions League and the Premier League.
Digne’s Influence: A Model Professional
Emery also spoke highly of Lucas Digne, highlighting his professionalism and commitment to improvement. “He’s mature, very responsible, he wants to improve every day. Even when he’s playing matches, he wants to train more,” he said.
Digne’s experience at top clubs like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain has contributed to his strong mentality. Emery noted, “He’s a good example for other players, how he’s trying every day to train and improve – learning and listening and being humble.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Aston Villa?
As Aston Villa prepares for this critical match against RB Leipzig, Emery’s words reflect a blend of optimism and realism. The team seeks to build on their experiences and showcase their ability to compete at the highest level. With the stakes high, all eyes will be on Villa as they aim for a spot in the next round of the Champions League.
