Unai Emery was in front of the cameras at Bodymoor Heath to preview Aston Villa’s game against Manchester City.
The club’s head coach looked ahead to taking on the Premier League champions at Villa Park and coming up against Pep Guardiola.
Here’s what he had to say…
On the energy inside Villa Park…
“The fans are very important. We were speaking about how usually every team is more consistent in taking more points at home than away.
“One reason is because playing with your supporters you are feeling stronger. For us, it’s clear we are being very comfortable at home. We are connecting with our fans and they are transmitting their energy to us.
“It’s the same for other teams and I’ve never known one team taking more points away than at home over a long time. It’s very difficult. The reason is the fans.
“Tomorrow it will be a special day at Villa Park and we are very excited to meet them again in Villa Park. We are trying to enjoy it with them.”
On Villa’s progress…
“We are very motivated and we can speak about how we are before the match against City: fourth in the table and tomorrow is match 15.
“We have to enjoy, we have to focus and we have to prepare the match in the best way possible because we are going to face a very great opportunity.
“It’s a great opportunity to show how we can face the best team in the league, who won this title last year. We are going to see how we can show our performance, how we can show our moment and try to be consistent like we are doing at home.
“Tomorrow is another test and an awesome test of how we can show our potential.”
On playing Manchester City…
“Always I want to play against the best teams and the best players. Every team has injuries in some moments and we are going to remind you of our big injuries to Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia.
“We are analysing the opponent and analysing them more collectively than individually. I think their structure is very strong, it’s very difficult to stop their ball possession.
“They will have some players out but they will are going to play with other very good players.”
On going up against Pep Guardiola…
“Fifteen or 16 years ago I started playing against him and it’s always been the same question about when I can win against him.
“Always my response was the same: if I can take opportunities I will play more against the big teams and big coaches. The opportunity is always coming and tomorrow is an opportunity.
“I am very excited to play again with our supporters in Villa Park and try to do our best. We are trying to be strong like we have been at home and take this opportunity.”
