Unai Emery is prepared for a tough challenge when Aston Villa begin 2023 against Tottenham Hotspur on New Year’s Day.
The head coach takes his team to north London on Sunday and is anticipating a stern test against the top four contenders.
Emery knows what to expect from Antonio Conte’s side and believes his team can secure a positive result.
“I know Antonio Conte’s teams, and he’s so, so competitive,” he said.
“He’s a successful coach in Italy and in England. His teams are usually so competitive, they have very fast players, they like to play in transition and they have very good players.
“I think Tottenham are fighting a lot to be in the top four.”
He added: “We are going to prepare in the best way possible. We know it’s going to be a very tough match.
“We want to be one step ahead and to fight and compete. Tottenham is the next challenge, a tough challenge. I will try to help my players to be capable of winning against them.”
Emery masterminded a victory on his first away Premier League game in charge against Brighton back in November.
The win was Villa’s first away day success in the league this season, and the Spaniard is keen to improve their form on the road.
He said: “Playing away is a really big challenge because we’re playing well at home with our supporters and we have a very good connection with them.
“We won in Brighton but our challenge away from home is to be competitive and keep the same mentality we have playing at home.
“Tactically we need to be strong – defensively as well. We need to be together and stronger than we have been this season.”
