By Aston Villa FC

Unai Emery gave his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s game against Bournemouth on Friday afternoon.

Aston Villa’s head coach addressed a number of topics as he looked ahead to Sunday’s game at the Vitality Stadium.

Here’s what he had to say…

On Ollie Watkins’ fitness…

Ollie Watkins

“He’s going to be a doubt for Sunday. We are adding other players, like Jhon Duran, Zaniolo and Jacob Ramsey, who is getting more minutes.

“He’s not completely unavailable for Sunday. We are going to wait for tomorrow and see if we can take a risk with him or not.

“We will see how he feels about facing the demands in 90 minutes we are going to face on Sunday.”

On players returning from injury…

Unai Emery.

“It’s very important when players are coming back after long injuries. Some players make an impact with good performances, like Álex Moreno was doing yesterday and Robin Olsen as well after not playing recently.

“Jacob Ramsey was taking minutes after his injury and Jhon Duran was being consistent in 90 minutes after a long time not playing.

“It’s a very good example for other players. It’s very good for players in the squad because you have to create and build a strong structure inside and good feelings.

“Everyone has to be happy when we are winning and together when we are losing in the bad moments and then try to create a positive energy and enjoy every moment with our supporters.”

On a busy December schedule…

Aston Villa hosted Legia Warszawa in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.

“We are trying to separate the different competitions and create and build a strong structure with the players we have being consistently available in the squad.

“And then we try to focus on each match. We know this month we are going to play a lot of matches in the Premier League and the last match in the Conference League.

“We are going to face after this month FA Cup matches as well. There’s nothing more in our minds than Bournemouth on Sunday. We have to try to be consistent and decide how we can face each match with good preparation for the players.”

On playing Bournemouth…

Unai Emery.

“Their reaction was fantastic after a very bad start. When I am analysing Bournemouth, I am watching the idea and style Iraola is setting, more or less like he did in Rayo Vallecano before.

“I really respect him a lot because I think he is a very good coach. He’s connecting with their style, with the players they have.

“They are increasing their level and they are progressively getting better, feeling better at home. On Sunday it’s going to be very difficult for us and we are going to try and understand how we can play in 90 minutes being competitive, adapting to them and trying to impose our style and idea.”

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