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Emery on 'new chapter' after milestone, 'fighter' Watkins and Man Utd

by Luna
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Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester United at Old Trafford (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Emery confirmed Matty Cash is "progressing well" and will be assessed on Saturday to see if he can be available for the match. Ross Barkley and Alysson can be in contention with them not included in the European squad, while Boubacar Kamara remains out and Youri Tielemans is also progressing but "there's still time to work individually to join us".
  • The Villa boss acknowledged reaching 100 wins as manager but insisted they are "in a new chapter" now and "everything we did is done and we need to do again" as they look to take advantage in the race for Champions League spots when they face Manchester United.
  • More on facing Sunday's opponents: "It's a really huge challenge, but analysing how we are in the table overall, we are fourth with the same points as Manchester United with 51 and they are third. Sunday is [matchday] 30 and there are still points to play for, a lot of points to play for. There are still matches to play, and we are so, so motivated in the two competitions we are fighting in."
  • After facing United in the final game last season, where they lost 2-0 with 10 men, Emery said it was "an emotional match" but "everything we are doing, we must be proud of it". He added: "We are ready and we are motivated. We are in the Premier League fighting for the top position. It's very important to try to face them with our capacity to play like we played [against Lille], the same mentality."
  • On the importance of support from fans: "It's very important how we are feeling with them. In Europe, as well, they are motivated and excited, like how they were following us in Lille. We need them, clearly, and the players thanked them [on Thursday], thanked them through the season, and hopefully we will feel them on Sunday."
  • Emery praised Lamare Bogarde's "versatility" and added: "Each match for him is a challenge, and he played a fantastic match [against Lille]. On Sunday, in case he will play… hopefully we can help him to play like he did in the last match."
  • He feels striker Ollie Watkins' "confidence is coming" after his Europa League goal: "He needs to feel our support, he needs to feel the supporters' help and we are trying to do with every player the same help. Everything he's doing and achieving is because he's a fighter."

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[BBC]

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