Apex Scores Lite Apex Scores Lite flag
back Back
Emery on Jackson, Goretzka and Villa's top-six ambitions

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Fulham at Villa Park (20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Emery insisted Villa's "only focus" is Fulham, despite Barcelona and Manchester United also coming up. He added: "If we are thinking after the match against Fulham, then we are making a mistake and we are completely wrong. We are prioritising the Premier League, and this is the message. To keep our consistency and demands means that each match is a test."

  • Asked what does Nicolas Jackson need to do to become even better, Emery replied: "Time. Time and consistency. High demands of himself in his everyday tasks. I am happy with him but I also know he has a lot to do as well to try to get better and be more consistent."

  • On whether Jackson and Johan Manzambi were rested for Wednesday's Carabao Cup defeat by Bournemouth: "For different reasons, not only rest. We are going to train and normally, yes [they will be fine to play on Saturday]."

  • Emery also praised Taylor Harwood-Bellis after his performance in midweek: "Very good. Taylor is a fantastic guy, very professional. He knows how he has to progress with us, understands everything and practises."

  • On Leon Goretzka's best position: "The first one is to be available to play. He started being available two weeks ago. He needs to understand our idea, and we are adapting to him too because his quality is clear."

  • On whether there are still six teams stronger than Villa to achieve a Champions League qualifying position: "It depends. We showed in the past years we were. But this year, until now, no. Other things are not being consistent, like Tottenham and Manchester United. We must focus on our own way, and our objective is clear - try to be in front of those contenders to be in the top six. The Premier League is very difficult because there are a lot of teams not in the contender position at the beginning of the season but every year they are fighting with the [other] teams to [prove] they should be there. We try to get consistency but each year is a test."

You may like

The hidden problems exposed by Man City’s defeat that could spell disaster

aol.com 4 days ago

The nine iconic players you might have no idea are still in Football Manager 27

sportbible.com 9 minutes ago

Premier League icon breaks silence on being handcuffed at McDonald's for 'stealing a taxi'

Mirror Online 3 hours ago