Villa Boss Reaffirms Faith in Struggling Striker
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has delivered a public vote of confidence in striker Ollie Watkins, insisting he remains the club's main attacking threat despite a significant goal drought this season.
The Spanish manager revealed he held a personal meeting with the 29-year-old forward to offer his support, telling him directly: "I am so happy with you. You are our striker."
Watkins' Difficult Season in Focus
Watkins has found the net just once in his 15 appearances across all competitions during the current campaign. His solitary strike came in September, netting the equaliser in Villa's 3-1 victory over Fulham.
His struggles have been compounded by high-profile missed opportunities, including a failed penalty against Bologna and a crucial chance spurned in the match at Sunderland. The team's overall creative output has also been lacking, with Villa posting the second-lowest expected goals (xG) value in the Premier League.
The striker's week took another blow when England manager Thomas Tuchel omitted him from the latest Three Lions squad for the November internationals, citing a fitness concern.
Emery's Message of Resilience and Recovery
Ahead of Villa's upcoming Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, Emery was questioned about his striker's form. He emphasised Watkins' resilient character, built throughout his career.
"He is a fighter. In all of his career, he has shown us that he is a fighter," Emery stated. "He overcame a lot of situations in his career individually, through being a fighter."
The manager's strategy is one of patience and positive reinforcement. "Now, keep moving forward. He has to focus with us again, recovering his good form and getting confidence," he added, detailing the content of their private conversation.
Emery's unwavering belief is clear. "I know that you are going to recover and get your performance through being consistent like you are, through fighting like you did, and through focusing with us," was the definitive message he conveyed to his number nine.
