Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Smirker on May 01, 2023, 03:39:39 PM
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This Saturday, 3pm kick off.
I think we'll bounce back here.
3-1 Villa, FTF
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Anything other than a win would end our euro dream
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2-0
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Must win game. I think we'll edge the tatters by a single goal.
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Villa win all day long for me. I’m thinking 3-1 to us
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A full week to rest, recuperate and plan. Hopefully someone is back to give some depth and options.
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A full week to rest, recuperate and plan. Hopefully someone is back to give some depth and options.
Any time I've reasoned that we've had more recovery time than the opposition (ie yesterday), it never seems to make a fucking difference!
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Quite right Eamonn, whenever we have longer to rest than our opponents, it seems we always look more tired than them. Also, surely professional footballers should be able to manage 2 games a week. I still don’t think this wolves match is going to be a doddle and would welcome 3 points with open arms. Last couple of matches we have seemed a bit jaded.
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A full week to rest, recuperate and plan. Hopefully someone is back to give some depth and options.
Any time I've reasoned that we've had more recovery time than the opposition (ie yesterday), it never seems to make a fucking difference!
I know and agree but I'm looking at the positives as I feel a bit down after yesterday.
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Emery to sleep at Bodymoor finding ways to start an unbeaten run to the end of the season. Starting with Dogheads. We will win 2-0 - Watkins both
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Fancy us to win, but guessing Wolves try a bit harder in this match then they did against Brighton
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Could do with some players back.
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Always thought this would be a tough one on the run-in, have gone for a draw with their goal will coming from outside the box.
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I shall be watching a match at the Moolinex for the first time since Spink gave Bull a cogwinder in the League Cup. Rod Stewart a few years ago doesn't count.
Anyway, I shall say what I said 7 days ago: it would be nice to have a couple of those injured players back given that we look jaded at times. We have more than enough to win but they will be up for it due to their drubbing at the weekend. And the fact that their fans see us as rivals.
All aboard the Time Machine!
2-2
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On paper this is our 'easiest' remaining game, the other 3 being all against clubs we're in direct competition with for European football next season. Must win game just on those terms.
Could still finish anywhere between 5th-8th, though think 7th or 8th looks more likely. Incredible given where we were in November, but still ... must win this one.
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1st goal crucial - we score it we win.
Their Cup Final - haven't heard much about gaps this year
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1st goal crucial - we score it we win.
Their Cup Final - haven't heard much about gaps this year
think levels might have levelled
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We have to win this, but the old pessimist in me 1-1
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It's their cup final and Lopetegui knows Emery well and had him pegged for the corresponding game at VP until we made changes in the second half. A draw might be the best we can manage here.
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I think this’ll be tough. We never have easy games against them and getting bashed 6-0 will probably have focussed their minds.
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I think this’ll be tough. We never have easy games against them and getting bashed 6-0 will probably have focussed their minds softened them up ready for a right good shoeing.
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They were comically bad watching the highlights, they can't be that bad again
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Our great recent run needs to continue to season end so a win here is critical - not bothered about performance as much just bring back 3 valuable points as those around us will all get points this weekend
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Why is it that every team we play, according to us, have got more reason to win than we have? Either they're in good form, or due a win, or 'hate' us for some unspecified reason, or their star goalscorer is in good/bad form, or the planets are aligning, or something equally trivial.
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.. Lopetegui knows Emery well and had him pegged..
Oh, i didn't know that!
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Why is it that every team we play, according to us, have got more reason to win than we have? Either they're in good form, or due a win, or 'hate' us for some unspecified reason, or their star goalscorer is in good/bad form, or the planets are aligning, or something equally trivial.
Because our faith in disappointment is unshakeable
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Why is it that every team we play, according to us, have got more reason to win than we have? Either they're in good form, or due a win, or 'hate' us for some unspecified reason, or their star goalscorer is in good/bad form, or the planets are aligning, or something equally trivial.
Yep.
Midweek game for us - "our players are tired"
Midweek game for opponents "they had an extra match to practice"
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.. Lopetegui knows Emery well and had him pegged..
Oh, i didn't know that!
Me either, I was also unaware there are people that will carry it out for you. If you're name is Sue, then you have a ready made trading name.
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Get the boys to watch the video of the Newcastle game to remind them how good they can be.
Play anything like that and we'll be more than ok.
Not entirely convinced that will happen though.
1-1.
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Why is it that every team we play, according to us, have got more reason to win than we have? Either they're in good form, or due a win, or 'hate' us for some unspecified reason, or their star goalscorer is in good/bad form, or the planets are aligning, or something equally trivial.
The corollary of the form thing of course is either we're in bad form and will be forevermore, or are in good form and 'it can't last forever'.
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.. Lopetegui knows Emery well and had him pegged..
Oh, i didn't know that!
I mean, there's knowing someone well and then there's that... :o
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2-1 Villa
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.. Lopetegui knows Emery well and had him pegged..
Oh, i didn't know that!
I mean, there's knowing someone well and then there's that... :o
Prince William is firmly behind Unai.
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PL injury news has 6/5/23 as potential return date for Cash,Bailey and Coutinho.
So good news if so.
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Why is it that every team we play, according to us, have got more reason to win than we have? Either they're in good form, or due a win, or 'hate' us for some unspecified reason, or their star goalscorer is in good/bad form, or the planets are aligning, or something equally trivial.
Yep.
Midweek game for us - "our players are tired"
Midweek game for opponents "they had an extra match to practice"
here's what I know. If I'm a dog head mind the gap fan, having watched my practically on the beach team get fucking pumped 6-0 and could have been 10, not at Man City, not Liverpool, not Arsenal, not Real Madrid, but at Brighton (albeit this season a very good Brighton) then I would be absolutely shitting it that Aston Villa, their 10 game unbeaten streak just broken, furiously going for one of the last European spots really needing to win most games remaining are next up.
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Their home form is actually really good. Beaten Chelsea (o.k standard nowadays), Brentford and Palace all to nil in last month.
They'll turn up for this one for sure compared to their surrender at Brighton so it will be tight with one goal deciding things.
Huge respect between the two managers. I fancy Ollie to get back to scoring ways and us to edge it 1-2.
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Their home form is actually really good. Beaten Chelsea (o.k standard nowadays), Brentford and Palace all to nil in last month.
They'll turn up for this one for sure compared to their surrender at Brighton so it will be tight with one goal deciding things.
Correct, plus I never fancy playing a team after they've just had a drubbing as there's usually a reaction (unless they're Leeds in April).
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Their home form is actually really good. Beaten Chelsea (o.k standard nowadays), Brentford and Palace all to nil in last month.
They'll turn up for this one for sure compared to their surrender at Brighton so it will be tight with one goal deciding things.
Correct, plus I never fancy playing a team after they've just had a drubbing as there's usually a reaction (unless they're Leeds in April).
This is how I usually think. I actually even think it quite often for the team who did the drubbing as well, particularly in big games. As soon as Liverpool beat Man Utd 7-0 I bet on them to lose to Bournemouth. Need something for the comedown.
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I don't fancy this one.
On form we should win, but Wolves are quite unpredictable, have two or three very good players, and seem to care disproportionately about us.
I'm predicting a loss, but mainly out of natural pessimism.
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Their home form is actually really good. Beaten Chelsea (o.k standard nowadays), Brentford and Palace all to nil in last month.
They'll turn up for this one for sure compared to their surrender at Brighton so it will be tight with one goal deciding things.
Huge respect between the two managers. I fancy Ollie to get back to scoring ways and us to edge it 1-2.
Also lost to Bournemouth and Leeds there recently too.
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Wolves have good home form and poor away, this will be a tough game 1-1
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They don’t score many. Is there any chance that we will have any of the wounded available?
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We've put in some shitshows at this place since they went Portuguese, make a fast start and the crowd will have little patience after their last horror show
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I think they'll have a bounce back from last week.
We look out of steam
1-1
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A win.
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]Correct, plus I never fancy playing a team after they've just had a drubbing as there's usually a reaction (unless they're Leeds in April).
This is how I usually think. I actually even think it quite often for the team who did the drubbing as well, particularly in big games. As soon as Liverpool beat Man Utd 7-0 I bet on them to lose to Bournemouth. Need something for the comedown.
Yeah, I'm the same wrt the teams handing out the drubbings as well. Hopefully Brighton will prove us right against Yanited on Thursday.
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a clean sheet please Villa...
UTV
The Doc
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I think if we have a few of the wounded back, even if only on the bench this could inspire us.
Lose this and the dream is as good as dead and that would be a shame although not unpredictable considering the players are running on empty.
Win this well (or any way TBH) and i think we can go into the Sperms game confidently.
0-1 will do
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Need to win this one, and think we will. 0-4 to the Villa Mings, Young, and two from Ramsey.
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I fancy us for 9 points from the 4 games left, with us probably getting caned at Anfield. That would probably be enough for 7th and possibly 6th.
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Will be confident of a win if Mateu Alemany doesn't need a work permit and we can throw him in from the start.
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They’ve won 5 out of the last 7 at hime, winning the last 3 in a row and last losing to Leeds on 18th March.
So despite their collapse last week, this is not going to be easy. I also thought they were the better side in the first half at our place in January.
I’ve thought for a few weeks this would be 1-1, but I’m ignoring my instincts and going for a 2-0 us (Watkins, McGinn).
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I think if we have a few of the wounded back, even if only on the bench this could inspire us.
Have we had any of the weekly "quick everybody, pretend somebody's just said something totes hilarious!" training photos yet? And if so, are any of the walking dead in them, or is it going be "very close, but not ready this weekend" for all of them, for like the 4th week running?!
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I can see us winning 2-1.
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One thing is for sure, there will be an electric astmosphere, but that's mostly down to the polyester shirts
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One thing is for sure, there will be an electric astmosphere, but that's mostly down to the polyester shirts
It's definitely them lot trying to create some friction.
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One thing is for sure, there will be an electric astmosphere, but that's mostly down to the polyester shirts
I wonder if there will be any flares?
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I’m going with 3-0 to us. Not pretty but convincing
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One thing is for sure, there will be an electric astmosphere, but that's mostly down to the polyester shirts
I wonder if there will be any flares?
It's Wolverhampton, they are still in fashion there.
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I'll set 'em up...
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Why is it that every team we play, according to us, have got more reason to win than we have? Either they're in good form, or due a win, or 'hate' us for some unspecified reason, or their star goalscorer is in good/bad form, or the planets are aligning, or something equally trivial.
Yep.
Midweek game for us - "our players are tired"
Midweek game for opponents "they had an extra match to practice"
here's what I know. If I'm a dog head mind the gap fan, having watched my practically on the beach team get fucking pumped 6-0 and could have been 10, not at Man City, not Liverpool, not Arsenal, not Real Madrid, but at Brighton (albeit this season a very good Brighton) then I would be absolutely shitting it that Aston Villa, their 10 game unbeaten streak just broken, furiously going for one of the last European spots really needing to win most games remaining are next up.
They don't think like that TV. They seem to have developed this weird obsession with us, so will see Saturday as some great opportunity to stop us getting into Europe and then will spend the week jamming the phone lines to Radio WM telling their mate Daz Hale about their great achievement.
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Felt like Wolves were trying to create a rivalry, as they were in a separate division to West Brom.
We've never really given much of a toss about each other. We'll maybe in the 50s?
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Can't go with Young again anyway. He needs a break. Chambers was fine there when he came on last weekend and deserves to start. Maybe Traore for Buendia too.
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Could really do with a win.
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Felt like Wolves were trying to create a rivalry, as they were in a separate division to West Brom.
We've never really given much of a toss about each other. We'll maybe in the 50s?
We're the biggest club for 80 miles in any direction. I'd bet there's a lot of clubs that, if they were in the top division, would see us as rivals but we wouldn't give a second thought to.
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My neighbour who is a Wolves season ticket holder told me the other day,
"I could not care less if we lose every remaining game of this season as long as we beat you on Saturday"
We will need to be well up for this because this is their biggest game of the season.
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Two Wolves fans I know are shitting it
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All 4 of our injured absentees back in training and could all be available for Saturday's squad. Finally some good news.
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Tactically they outdid us really in that game at Villa Park. Pressed really hard on Luiz and Kamara particularly in the first half and our centre backs were very uneasy. Was that the game we had Cash stuck on the right wing? We were a bit of a shambles in truth in that first half and fortunate to go in only one down. Buendia dropped into midfield a lot more in the second half and we were better for it. I do think Emery will have to make some tactical and personnel adjustments for this one.
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Tactically they outdid us really in that game at Villa Park. Pressed really hard on Luiz and Kamara particularly in the first half and our centre backs were very uneasy. Was that the game we had Cash stuck on the right wing? We were a bit of a shambles in truth in that first half and fortunate to go in only one down. Buendia dropped into midfield a lot more in the second half and we were better for it. I do think Emery will have to make some tactical and personnel adjustments for this one.
Agreed, that first half was one of the worst under Emery, although it was quite early on in his tenure to be fair. We hardly touched the ball for 20 minutes and it was only a matter of time until they scored. Unfortunately, our last two away performances have had an element of that sort of display, so I hope we've got it out of our system in training this week. We've got the ability to batter Wolves, but confidence is a fragile thing where Villa are concerned, and I'm not confident that we're going to get anything there.
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Tactically they outdid us really in that game at Villa Park. Pressed really hard on Luiz and Kamara particularly in the first half and our centre backs were very uneasy. Was that the game we had Cash stuck on the right wing? We were a bit of a shambles in truth in that first half and fortunate to go in only one down. Buendia dropped into midfield a lot more in the second half and we were better for it. I do think Emery will have to make some tactical and personnel adjustments for this one.
Didn't someone also say at the time that tactically Lopetegui had Emery's number in Spain? Hopefully that changes tomorrow.
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All 4 of our injured absentees back in training and could all be available for Saturday's squad. Finally some good news.
"Being assessed for their involvement". On the bench without coming on for the next four games?
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All 4 of our injured absentees back in training and could all be available for Saturday's squad. Finally some good news.
"Being assessed for their involvement". On the bench without coming on for the next four games?
You know how these things work at Villa by now surely? Tripped on a rug at home = out for a month at least. I think Unai needs to go and piss in the corners and lift the curse.
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All 4 of our injured absentees back in training and could all be available for Saturday's squad. Finally some good news.
"Being assessed for their involvement". On the bench without coming on for the next four games?
All four returned to training this week...
Coutinho - Monday
Kamara - Wednesday
Bailey - Wednesday
Cash - Thursday
I'd say that means we'll start very similar to the last couple of games but with the ability to bring COutinho on for Buendia, and the others unlikely to feature, but maybe Kamara on the bench. Gut feeling is that Bailey will be too fragile and Cash nowhere near ready.
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Cash was supposed to be closest to being ready last week, and they decided not to risk it to be sure for tomorrow
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Only Coutinho likely to get on the pitch then.
Could have full squad for spuds though.
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Ashley Preece on Birmingham Live
Unai Emery spoke with the media ahead of his side’s short trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm). The head coach outlined how Leon Bailey, Matty Cash, Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara could all be involved after their respective injuries, while also confirming talks surrounding Barcelona’s Mateu Alemany potentially becoming Villa’s new director of football this summer. Here’s Emery’s broadcast press conference in full, below.
Hi Unai, how’s the team looking, do you have any fresh injuries, how about those who have been out recently?
Good afternoon, we are slowly adding players in the squad to be ready for tomorrow. The news is fantastic. Coutinho trained on Monday; Kamara and Leon trained on Wednesday and, yesterday, Matty Cash started training with the group.
Of course for tomorrow, after more or less some weeks, they could be in the squad. To play, we will analyse the last 24 hours before the match with the possibility and to add them on the bench. If they’re on the bench it means they will have some opportunities to play.
What are you expecting from this Wolves game, given your European ambitions? How important is it to get back to winning ways?
Our ambition is the reality. One month ago we were getting top 10 positions and were chasing down teams who had a big advantage over us. We knew this was the most difficult step ahead and we wanted to do it. That's the moment. That’s very difficult because yesterday Brighton won, Liverpool are winning a lot of matches. Tottenham are with us now. They will play us next week and their clear objective is to play in Europe.
Our ambition is to get the best position possible. Tomorrow is a very important match and three points could give us a big opportunity to get us in the European position. We are very excited about this and aware of the difficulty.
You’ve been linked with Barcelona’s transfer chief Mateu Alemany. Can you tell me anything about that and just how big are your ambitions this summer in terms of transfer business you want to do to take this club forward?
It’s not the moment to speak about some circumstances that could come here, about some expectation about who is coming here. When I was committed with the chairman Nassef and with Wes, we were speaking about the objective in our future we want to create. We want to strengthen our structure. To try to get another level going up with the team, with the players, with the structure we can create here. And of course, Mateu Alemany is a person with experiences, he has worked at a high level and, if he’s coming here, because it is a possibility, it will be a very good opportunity to create a strong structure with him.
The defeat to Manchester United was the first setback you’ve had in a while - how can you use that moving forward now as a reminder to the players of the levels you need to be at if you want to achieve your targets?
My real ambition and obsession is to improve and to try and analyse as best as possible each match with the players. To show the players’ analysis collectively and individually. I am very demanding. To lose in Manchester, it was a very bad result, but it’s another match to use it to improve and to analyse with the players. Then try to carry on in the next match. I want to use this match, and Brentford as well, to try to improve things for Wolves tomorrow.
Our challenge again is coming - like when I arrive here, to be competitive and be a strong team playing away. The last two matches - Brentford and Manchester United - we only got one point. Wolves tomorrow is very important. The difficulty we will face tomorrow is a tough match. They’re winning a lot at home. They are going to be really focused against us after their result against Brighton.
That’s the match I want to play: against a good team, good players, a good, experienced coach. It's an opportunity to do something. It's a big challenge in front of us to keep the European position.
How well do you know Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui?
He is experienced. He won titles. His teams are usually playing very good football. He’s trying to find out how they can play better, sometimes 4-3-3 or 4-4-2. They have very good players, he is very demanding. They will be difficult to face and to win matches against him.
Do you enjoy derby games?
It's very important for them to feel. I speak to the players. It's a derby. They are telling me about the rivalry with Birmingham City but now we are against Wolverhampton. I enjoy them but the players have to feel it and have to think in two directions - to play well and to be competitive and adapt the emotions we are going to face as well.
Do you approach derby games differently?
I prepare each match by trying the same structure and adapting the same. We have experiences like the match at home. It will be different, they are now better, we are now better. We will play in their stadium, it will change a little bit. Our supporters will travel there as well - we will try and connect with them and to be strong together. Our idea is to play well, to improve things after the match we played in Manchester. We want to control the game more. The duels will be very important tomorrow.
After the 6-0 defeat, will it be a good time or bad time to play Wolves?
At the beginning it is telling me, usually after a result like they, they will be stronger. We have to play 90 minutes and impose our idea and structure. We will push a lot. They have very good players, strikers, midfielders. It's a challenge for us, to play away. They will try to show their supporters at home being competitive like they have been at home. We will face everything.
You have four games left - do you feel like you need to win all of them to quality for Europe?
It depends. Yesterday, if Brighton was losing or drawing... they won and it was a possibility because they are playing well. We will fight against them and Tottenham and Brentford. The idea is to try to have an opportunity in front. We will take again a new opportunity if tomorrow we win. That is the moment, the players are aware - we are very excited to be playing with this possibility tomorrow. If, if we are playing against Tottenhamw with the possibility to be in front of them - it will be amazing. If we are playing the last match against Brighton, playing with the possibility of being better than them in the table. It will be fantastic - but it’s very different if we win or don’t win. Each match, for us, for them, will be important. That will be good news for us. We have high [pressure] matches in front of us.
Everyone can see the progress you’ve made since you have arrived. Do you feel, though, that being in Europe or not in Europe will impact the calibre of players you would like to bring in in the summer? Will it impact the transfer plans?
Maybe, yes. But it’s not changing the mind I have, the idea we spoke about. We want to create a strong structure here, a strong mentality. You have to build a team like a family. If we are in Europe - we will add some possibility to take away trophies, take away playing more matches, for me it will be fantastic. If it’s not this year, my idea and objective is the same - try to play in Europe with Aston Villa. Not only just to play in Europe but I want to play in the Champions League with Aston Villa. I want to play in the Europa League and Conference but I want to play in the best competition in the world, the Champions League. Maybe we will do it, maybe not but that Is my challenge.
And then play for trophies, with the cups and the league. If we are also playing in Europe, there's more possibilities to do it. We have to build, create and do each step ahead trying not to make a mistake.
The example is when we were in January - we didn’t use the transfer window being unsure to get something. We prefer to add players who have something trying to be consistent then in our way. Europe in front is a very good opportunity to take the next step ahead here quicker than we were expecting.
If you weren’t in Europe it wouldn’t be the end of the world because you could lay more foundations for next season…
Yes but for me, the practice is to play matches. I like to play a lot of matches. If we are playing more competition, it’s better. Our training ground here is important to build our structure tactically and as well our mentality. We are going to show everyone our progress, that is the way. We want to do it. We are very committed with the owners. I am trying to connect here with everybody. We want to improve every day and to get ahead with the challenges. Now we are playing with the first step, better challenges than we had before. We are playing for Europe.
Julen Lopetegui arrived mid-season like yourself - just how difficult is it to adapt?
[Julen] is improving the team, they were in relegation positions when I arrived. He's done a good job. I know him. He's competitive. His structure with everything - he's worked at it before at Real Madrid, the Spanish national team, Porto, Sevilla, it’s fantastic. I respect him a lot.
Every team we want to improve and add objectives in front. That is the difficulty I am facing here in the Premier League. Every team have good coaches, good clubs, the owners trying to invest in players in each team. Last week, I was watching Leicester and Everton because I want to learn and to watch matches playing both teams with good teams, players. Both are facing the escape from the bottom as well - we did it. I was watching how they are responding. I like to play, like to learn and how we play with pressure - and how other players and coaches do it. That’s fantastic. We all have to understand quickly.
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We’ve had about 15 managers in 30 odd years, Emery is one of a handful who would describe a narrow 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford as a very bad result.
In summation, I love him.
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I think it's the first time he's said that he wants to manage Villa in the Champions League. Unprompted, too. The man ain't here to hang around Erdington High Street and write an album about it.
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I think it's the first time he's said that he wants to manage Villa in the Champions League. Unprompted, too. The man ain't here to hang around Erdington High Street and write an album about it.
That hit me too. There it is ladies and gents, shit is real
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I think it's the first time he's said that he wants to manage Villa in the Champions League. Unprompted, too. The man ain't here to hang around Erdington High Street and write an album about it.
That hit me too. There it is ladies and gents, shit is real
About time. I’ve grown a tiny bit sick of pundits being asked if they think Villa could possibly, maybe, with a good head wind, break into the European places. This is the Aston Villa Football Club, and it deserves nothing but the best.
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Ashley Preece on Birmingham Live
Unai Emery spoke with the media ahead of his side’s short trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm). The head coach outlined how Leon Bailey, Matty Cash, Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara could all be involved after their respective injuries, while also confirming talks surrounding Barcelona’s Mateu Alemany potentially becoming Villa’s new director of football this summer. Here’s Emery’s broadcast press conference in full, below.
Hi Unai, how’s the team looking, do you have any fresh injuries, how about those who have been out recently?
Good afternoon, we are slowly adding players in the squad to be ready for tomorrow. The news is fantastic. Coutinho trained on Monday; Kamara and Leon trained on Wednesday and, yesterday, Matty Cash started training with the group.
Of course for tomorrow, after more or less some weeks, they could be in the squad. To play, we will analyse the last 24 hours before the match with the possibility and to add them on the bench. If they’re on the bench it means they will have some opportunities to play.
What are you expecting from this Wolves game, given your European ambitions? How important is it to get back to winning ways?
Our ambition is the reality. One month ago we were getting top 10 positions and were chasing down teams who had a big advantage over us. We knew this was the most difficult step ahead and we wanted to do it. That's the moment. That’s very difficult because yesterday Brighton won, Liverpool are winning a lot of matches. Tottenham are with us now. They will play us next week and their clear objective is to play in Europe.
Our ambition is to get the best position possible. Tomorrow is a very important match and three points could give us a big opportunity to get us in the European position. We are very excited about this and aware of the difficulty.
You’ve been linked with Barcelona’s transfer chief Mateu Alemany. Can you tell me anything about that and just how big are your ambitions this summer in terms of transfer business you want to do to take this club forward?
It’s not the moment to speak about some circumstances that could come here, about some expectation about who is coming here. When I was committed with the chairman Nassef and with Wes, we were speaking about the objective in our future we want to create. We want to strengthen our structure. To try to get another level going up with the team, with the players, with the structure we can create here. And of course, Mateu Alemany is a person with experiences, he has worked at a high level and, if he’s coming here, because it is a possibility, it will be a very good opportunity to create a strong structure with him.
The defeat to Manchester United was the first setback you’ve had in a while - how can you use that moving forward now as a reminder to the players of the levels you need to be at if you want to achieve your targets?
My real ambition and obsession is to improve and to try and analyse as best as possible each match with the players. To show the players’ analysis collectively and individually. I am very demanding. To lose in Manchester, it was a very bad result, but it’s another match to use it to improve and to analyse with the players. Then try to carry on in the next match. I want to use this match, and Brentford as well, to try to improve things for Wolves tomorrow.
Our challenge again is coming - like when I arrive here, to be competitive and be a strong team playing away. The last two matches - Brentford and Manchester United - we only got one point. Wolves tomorrow is very important. The difficulty we will face tomorrow is a tough match. They’re winning a lot at home. They are going to be really focused against us after their result against Brighton.
That’s the match I want to play: against a good team, good players, a good, experienced coach. It's an opportunity to do something. It's a big challenge in front of us to keep the European position.
How well do you know Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui?
He is experienced. He won titles. His teams are usually playing very good football. He’s trying to find out how they can play better, sometimes 4-3-3 or 4-4-2. They have very good players, he is very demanding. They will be difficult to face and to win matches against him.
Do you enjoy derby games?
It's very important for them to feel. I speak to the players. It's a derby. They are telling me about the rivalry with Birmingham City but now we are against Wolverhampton. I enjoy them but the players have to feel it and have to think in two directions - to play well and to be competitive and adapt the emotions we are going to face as well.
Do you approach derby games differently?
I prepare each match by trying the same structure and adapting the same. We have experiences like the match at home. It will be different, they are now better, we are now better. We will play in their stadium, it will change a little bit. Our supporters will travel there as well - we will try and connect with them and to be strong together. Our idea is to play well, to improve things after the match we played in Manchester. We want to control the game more. The duels will be very important tomorrow.
After the 6-0 defeat, will it be a good time or bad time to play Wolves?
At the beginning it is telling me, usually after a result like they, they will be stronger. We have to play 90 minutes and impose our idea and structure. We will push a lot. They have very good players, strikers, midfielders. It's a challenge for us, to play away. They will try to show their supporters at home being competitive like they have been at home. We will face everything.
You have four games left - do you feel like you need to win all of them to quality for Europe?
It depends. Yesterday, if Brighton was losing or drawing... they won and it was a possibility because they are playing well. We will fight against them and Tottenham and Brentford. The idea is to try to have an opportunity in front. We will take again a new opportunity if tomorrow we win. That is the moment, the players are aware - we are very excited to be playing with this possibility tomorrow. If, if we are playing against Tottenhamw with the possibility to be in front of them - it will be amazing. If we are playing the last match against Brighton, playing with the possibility of being better than them in the table. It will be fantastic - but it’s very different if we win or don’t win. Each match, for us, for them, will be important. That will be good news for us. We have high [pressure] matches in front of us.
Everyone can see the progress you’ve made since you have arrived. Do you feel, though, that being in Europe or not in Europe will impact the calibre of players you would like to bring in in the summer? Will it impact the transfer plans?
Maybe, yes. But it’s not changing the mind I have, the idea we spoke about. We want to create a strong structure here, a strong mentality. You have to build a team like a family. If we are in Europe - we will add some possibility to take away trophies, take away playing more matches, for me it will be fantastic. If it’s not this year, my idea and objective is the same - try to play in Europe with Aston Villa. Not only just to play in Europe but I want to play in the Champions League with Aston Villa. I want to play in the Europa League and Conference but I want to play in the best competition in the world, the Champions League. Maybe we will do it, maybe not but that Is my challenge.
And then play for trophies, with the cups and the league. If we are also playing in Europe, there's more possibilities to do it. We have to build, create and do each step ahead trying not to make a mistake.
The example is when we were in January - we didn’t use the transfer window being unsure to get something. We prefer to add players who have something trying to be consistent then in our way. Europe in front is a very good opportunity to take the next step ahead here quicker than we were expecting.
If you weren’t in Europe it wouldn’t be the end of the world because you could lay more foundations for next season…
Yes but for me, the practice is to play matches. I like to play a lot of matches. If we are playing more competition, it’s better. Our training ground here is important to build our structure tactically and as well our mentality. We are going to show everyone our progress, that is the way. We want to do it. We are very committed with the owners. I am trying to connect here with everybody. We want to improve every day and to get ahead with the challenges. Now we are playing with the first step, better challenges than we had before. We are playing for Europe.
Julen Lopetegui arrived mid-season like yourself - just how difficult is it to adapt?
[Julen] is improving the team, they were in relegation positions when I arrived. He's done a good job. I know him. He's competitive. His structure with everything - he's worked at it before at Real Madrid, the Spanish national team, Porto, Sevilla, it’s fantastic. I respect him a lot.
Every team we want to improve and add objectives in front. That is the difficulty I am facing here in the Premier League. Every team have good coaches, good clubs, the owners trying to invest in players in each team. Last week, I was watching Leicester and Everton because I want to learn and to watch matches playing both teams with good teams, players. Both are facing the escape from the bottom as well - we did it. I was watching how they are responding. I like to play, like to learn and how we play with pressure - and how other players and coaches do it. That’s fantastic. We all have to understand quickly.
Interesting
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bob seeking attention I see.
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oi oiii
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oi oiii
That was the Portuguese version of 'Allo 'Allo, wasn't it?
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oi oiii
That was the Portuguese version of 'Allo 'Allo, wasn't it?
Brazilian post punk racist record label.
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Like I said the other day, I just hope they defend as comically as they did last week. I reckon they will hold us to a draw though. 1-1.
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Like I said the other day, I just hope they defend as comically as they did last week. I reckon they will hold us to a draw though. 1-1.
Yeah I think this’ll be tough. Hopefully I’m wrong and they’re dreadful like last week though.
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For all this talk about how pumped up Wolves will be, their confidence will be fragile after last week and if we start well the natives will get on their backs.
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My neighbour who is a Wolves season ticket holder told me the other day,
"I could not care less if we lose every remaining game of this season as long as we beat you on Saturday"
We will need to be well up for this because this is their biggest game of the season.
And that’s the mentality that has and will keep them living in our shadow for evermore.
Every dog has its day and their “success” without winning anything has been a couple of years finishing above us. Now they know it’s ended and the norm has returned the bitterness will ramp up and they can all pop off and have a cry with their mates from Small Heath and Sandwell.
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For all this talk about how pumped up Wolves will be, their confidence will be fragile after last week and if we start well the natives will get on their backs.
I think that's the key. Straight out of the blocks with quick balls up to Ollie just to see what they're like defending as they were hopeless at Brighton.
They did play very well at VP though and plenty of respect between the two managers so it will be a chess piece match I think.
Think we'll edge it as Ollie is due a goal and we'll have more options to change aswell in last half hour compared to all the April games.
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I think it's the first time he's said that he wants to manage Villa in the Champions League. Unprompted, too. The man ain't here to hang around Erdington High Street and write an album about it.
That hit me too. There it is ladies and gents, shit is real
About time. I’ve grown a tiny bit sick of pundits being asked if they think Villa could possibly, maybe, with a good head wind, break into the European places. This is the Aston Villa Football Club, and it deserves nothing but the best.
Applause 👏🏻 👏🏻
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Just moved over to West Wales so this is the first away game of the season that I've missed. Feels strange to be at home and not on the road to Wolverhampton. Hopefully Villa get back on track today. Always a tough away game. We need to score first. UTV
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I'm in Wolverhampton and about to catch a train to Brum.
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Let’s batter these gold wearing dog head tossers. Fuck em up.
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Could be tough today, they will want to bounce back after last weekend, good news about the injured quartet, hopefully at least one of them will get some game time.
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Let’s batter these mustard wearing dog head tossers. Fuck em up.
Ftfy