We have a responsibility to win for the fans, The players are showing high commitment, We’re going to work strongly to get to Europe” – Unai Emery praises Aston Villa players and fans as he reflects on Spurs win
Unai Emery has lacisged praises on his Aston Villa’s players and supporers after his side’s big win over and Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park.
Aston Villa stormed to their sixth win on the spin at Villa Park by downing European rivals Tottenham 2-1 in front of a jubilant home crowd. Here’s Unai Emery’s reaction in full from the press room with all eyes on Liverpool now next week.
“We played at a high level, the first half better than the second. We kept our identity in the ball possession. We created chances and we have to work thinking that is the way we want to build here with the team. To be consistent and focused in 90 minutes is not easy.
We were playing against a good team, a team ahead of us in the table. They played a little bit better but, in the end, we deserved to win. That is the way we want to create, to connect with the supporters and get their energy. This is the sixth game we win in a row here. It’s now important to keep motivated because it gives us opportunities to get to Europe.
It’s very important, the supporters. They are travelling away every match, 3,000, 4,000 supporters. And here at home there are 42,000 supporters behind us trying to give us energy. We have the responsibility to give them one idea, one style… emotions and then try to win.
When we were playing some matches not very well and not controlling like we are now, the supporters were supporting us. When we lost against Arsenal and Leicester, the supporters were there. When we are winning, they are more excited.
The first half, I was very, very happy. The second half was very difficult to keep the performance. My objective in the next match is to be consistent for 90 minutes more. The players are showing their high commitment. We’re connecting with our supporters. We will keep trying to get in each step ahead.
When asked about Villa’s chances of qualifying for the UEFA Europa League, the Spaniard had this to say:
When I arrived here no, clearly. It was a process. I told the players it was not the objective this year to go to Europe. But if we can have chances to go there we will try to get it. If we don’t, OK, it’s not a failure. It’s a process. Our success is being progressively going up and our demands are very high. We need to improve every day.
Today, yes, because we are improving. Now, our challenge is coming again next week against Liverpool away because away we’re not as competitive as we were before. We are going to work strongly this week trying to get the opportunity to get a European position.
