The media quizzed Unai Emery at Bodymoor Heath on Friday ahead of Aston Villa’s trip to Liverpool.
The head coach fielded questions about the game at Anfield, new signing Clément Lenglet, the strength of his squad and more.
Here’s what he had to say…
On Clément Lenglet…
“After Tyrone Mings’ injury, we were analysing how we can face this season playing a lot of matches. Lenglet was a very good opportunity on loan for one year.
“He has experience in Barcelona, Sevilla and Tottenham playing at a high level, playing in Europe.
“I’m very happy with him because he is joining us with his quality, his experience, his capacity to help and support Pau Torres playing on the same side. I’m very happy.”
On the strength of the squad…
“I’m very, very happy with how we’ve done in the transfer window. We were joined by some players with experiences, young players.
“We kept a lot of players we had last year, who were being successful with good performances. Today is the last day and I’m not waiting for a big surprise.
“Tomorrow I will be very happy with the players we have in the squad for this season, playing in different competitions and trying to be candidates to do something in all competitions.”
On Academy prospects…
“We have to plan with our players, young players especially. Some competitions are very good to give them chances, opportunities to play and show their capacity to improve.
“One of them is the Conference League and after our good result in Scotland, we decided yesterday to play with players like (Seb) Revan, like Omari (Kellyman) and we had two young players on the bench with a possibility to play.
“We have to use them sometimes. We have to practice with them sometimes – not only on the training ground but playing official matches.
“They played in pre-season and I remember Omari played very well against Newcastle for 45 minutes. Today they are playing for the Under-21s, and we have to follow them and we have to support them.
“I think our Academy has a good future with some players.”
On playing Liverpool…
“Liverpool is always very difficult to play against and win. Personally, I’ve played against Liverpool two years ago with Villarreal in the Champions League and we lost.
“Last year, we played them at home and we lost. In Anfield, we drew in a very competitive match. It was a key moment because we needed to add one point or three to have the possibility to be in Europe, and we did it.
“They were fighting and trying to get a top four position to be in the Champions League. That is the example I want to use."
He added: “We have to be very, very competitive. We have to face them trying to be close to them, individually, collectively and tactically.
“It’s going to very difficult. It’s a very big challenge on Sunday because it’s not only about the result but about how we are, how we can face them.”