Unai Emery cut a frustrated figure in his press conference but said he was proud of his Aston Villa team despite failing to beat Burnley. Villa headed to Turf Moor knowing that four points would secure Champions League qualification ahead of their Europa League final against Freiburg in Istanbul. But after falling behind and then taking the lead through Ollie Watkins in the second half, Villa conceded on the hour mark as Zian Flemming earned a point for the relegated Clarets.
Emery Reflects on the Draw
“It is being difficult to be fifth in the league on the day 36,” Emery started when asked about his observations of the game. “It is being very difficult to be in the top five with Liverpool, who are on the same points. Bournemouth and Brighton are fighter teams and are behind and are fantastic.”
“You were making questions four months ago about us being contenders for the title when we were two or three points behind Arsenal and Manchester City. I told you that the day 34 you can make questions about it, but you are not making questions about it. I will respond myself. It is fantastic to be where we are. To be in the top five in the Premier League, it is fantastic. The point is not enough, but I know the difficulty to achieve three points here for us and for other teams.”
Pride in the Squad
“How the players showed their wishes to win, I am so, so proud of them and overall. Of course, after Thursday when we achieved the Europa League final, we are competing well. To play in Europe, just like Arsenal and Crystal Palace, is it very difficult. The players are doing a huge effort and their commitment is fantastic.”
He added: “It was difficult last week against Tottenham, against Fulham, in every match. Of course, the second part of the season, we are struggling. We are not achieving the points like the first part of the season, but Premier Leagues is 38 matches, and the day one, the day five, the day 20, the day 25, 34 you must be consistent, and we are understanding how difficult it is. But how we are competing and keeping the position we are keeping at the level with the Europa competition is really fantastic.”
Player Fitness Ahead of Liverpool
“Some [players] are tired, but they want to play. They are ready. Today was very important as well, not to have injured players. Very important.”
