The Presser: Emery looks ahead to Sheffield United

Sheffield United’s visit to Villa Park was on the agenda for Unai Emery as he gave his pre-match press conference on Thursday.

Aston Villa’s head coach discussed a range of topics as he addressed the assembled media at Bodymoor Heath.

Here’s what he had to say…

On the club record run at Villa Park…

“I think I will not achieve the same amount of matches winning in a row again in my career. We are doing it now and I believe in the players and I believe in our way.

“We are there because we deserve it. We are being very strong at home because we are being very demanding and we are being very strong with our supporters at home.

“Tomorrow, to keep it [going] is going to be very difficult. We have to enjoy the moment and be demanding in how we can feel the same happiness like our supporters after the match.”

On Sheffield United…

“We are excited and we are very motivated about how we can face the match tomorrow against Sheffield. My concern for tomorrow with the players is that it’s going to be very difficult to win.

“When we were winning against, more or less, the best teams in the Premier League like Arsenal and Manchester City in the last two matches at home we are now facing the same difficulty against Sheffield as against Arsenal and City.

“We respect them a lot. We are going to try to play being very demanding because they are with a new coach and their situation of being in the bottom of the table. They are going to be very motivated.

“They know we are a very difficult team to beat at Villa Park and we are feeling very strong. For them it’s a great challenge.”

On avoiding complacency…

“I have to try to keep the same motivation and the same preparation for the matches as we have been doing. I can remind them and myself of some matches we played before we started winning.

“When we are not playing in our structure and organising our structure with and without the ball, even against the best team or bottom team in the table, we are closer to losing.

“My concern with the players is being consistent. And to be consistent preparing the match, to be consistent during the match and focusing on our game plan.”

On making improvements…

“We are analysing how we can improve tactically and our management with the opponent, with the referee and with the supporters.

“We are being very demanding to be respectful with everything and everybody. After Brentford, we spoke in a meeting with the players about how we have to try to keep our minds clear and always respecting everything.

“I believe in my players, I believe in our behaviour.”