Aston Villa’s Unai Emery Discusses Upcoming Match Against Nottingham Forest

Aston Villa’s head coach Unai Emery addressed the media ahead of his team’s match against Nottingham Forest.

Recent Defeat and Home Form

Villa experienced a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Arsenal in their last outing, snapping an impressive streak of 11 consecutive wins. However, Emery’s squad has demonstrated exceptional form at Villa Park, achieving ten victories in a row, and they are eager to maintain this momentum against Forest in their upcoming encounter.

Harvey Elliott Unlikely to Join Permanently

Emery responded to inquiries regarding Harvey Elliott, the Liverpool player currently on loan at Villa. Despite Elliott’s strong professionalism and attitude, Emery clarified that the club is hesitant to activate the £30 million purchase option that would be triggered after reaching a set number of appearances.

“I respect him as a good professional, but our current situation is complicated,” Emery stated. “The concern we have with Harvey this season is that since he is on loan, any match he plays means we need to consider purchasing him. Two months ago, we decided we aren’t ready to commit that kind of money, which is where the issue lies. He trains well with us daily, but it’s not ideal for either party, and in football, tough decisions must be made.”

Fixture Congestion Affecting Team Performance

The coach highlighted that the congested fixture list is impacting his players, as they are engaged in various competitions. This has led to necessary squad rotations to mitigate the risks of fatigue and injuries.

“We are entering our third consecutive season competing across the Premier League, Europe, and domestic cups, totaling 55 matches annually,” Emery explained. “With additional commitments to international fixtures, this obviously elevates the injury risks. We have to be prepared with the players we still have.”

He noted that while some injured players are nearing recovery, a significant number remain unavailable for the match against Forest. “Despite this, we still have enough players to compete effectively,” he assured.

New Addition Alysson’s Role

Emery also spoke about their recent signing, Alysson, a 19-year-old Brazilian winger who could provide depth as they navigate this busy schedule. Emery believes Alysson has the potential to elevate the team’s performance in the coming seasons.

“He’s quite young and has shown tremendous promise while developing in Brazil,” Emery mentioned. “He usually plays on the right flank and is left-footed, which gives us some versatility. We aim to nurture his talent during his time with us.”

“His skills as a winger are impressive; he excels in dribbling and showcases good physicality and defensive work. He is capable in both attack and defense, and his intensity is commendable,” Emery added. “The key for him now is to adapt to our training regimen and hopefully progress well into the Premier League demands.”