Unai Emery Praises Liverpool's Performance Under Slot Over Klopp
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Aston Villa's head coach, Unai Emery, believes Liverpool is performing even better under Arne Slot than they did during Juergen Klopp's tenure. The Premier League leaders will face Villa at Villa Park, following a draw with Ipswich Town, as Emery prepares his team for the challenging match ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Unai Emery commends Liverpool for their current performance.
- Aston Villa faces Liverpool after a recent draw.
- Injury updates include Leon Bailey and Matty Cash.
- This match is deemed the toughest for Villa in recent weeks.
- Emery emphasizes the challenge of adapting tactically.
Birmingham, Feb 18 (NationPress) Aston Villa is set to host the top-ranked Liverpool at Villa Park for the second of three consecutive home matches in the league on Thursday (IST), just four days after a 1-1 stalemate with Ipswich Town. Villa's head coach, Unai Emery, stated that Liverpool is currently performing even better under the leadership of Arne Slot than they did during Juergen Klopp's era.
The Dutch manager succeeded Klopp, who enjoyed a nine-year tenure in England's premier division and played a pivotal role in ending the Merseyside club’s 30-year wait for a Premier League title in 2020. 'We must adapt to compete against them, as Liverpool will undoubtedly challenge us in every aspect, both tactically and individually,' he remarked.
“I have a great appreciation for the outstanding performance they are delivering this season, even more so than in the last two years since I arrived. Certainly, they were fantastic under Klopp, but this season under Slot, they are excelling further,' Emery conveyed during a press briefing. 'For me, as a coach, this represents a significant challenge tomorrow, and I aim to motivate our team to effectively implement our strategy against them. This will be the toughest match we have faced in recent weeks and months,' he added.
Emery also provided updates regarding injuries in his squad, noting that Leon Bailey, Matty Cash, and Ezri Konsa will undergo late fitness evaluations ahead of the encounter with Liverpool, while Boubacar Kamara will not participate. Winger Bailey and center-back Konsa missed the Premier League draw against Ipswich Town at Villa Park, and right-back Cash has been absent for the last three fixtures.
The versatile midfielder Kamara was substituted after only 16 minutes during the weekend match and has been ruled out for the clash against the Reds. He joins Pau Torres, Ross Barkley, and Amadou Onana on the injury list.
“Kamara is out, Bailey is nearing a return. I am unsure about tomorrow; he remains a doubt. Cash is also close to rejoining us, as is Konsa. We trained this morning, but until tomorrow morning, I won’t determine their readiness to play,' Emery disclosed.
