Danny Murphy has backed Unai Emery to manage the huge turnover in his Aston Villa squad and insists he has no fears for them this season. The pundit – and former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder – compared the team with which Villa won the Europa League in May to the one which drew 0-0 at Hull City yesterday.
The absence of key players like Emi Martinez, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins is stark, as is the fact Villa are yet to score or win in their first three Premier League games.
Murphy's verdict on Villa's transition
Speaking on Match of the Day, Murphy played down concerns: “Massively in transition, I mean 11 signings is a hell of a lot, and they've lost real quality.
“Look [at] the starting 11 from the Europa League final which they obviously won, a lot of quality international players, experience, this is what's left.
“Six have gone, they've spent a lot of money bringing in 11 players, and there's a lot of quality international players in there.
Emery's track record gives confidence
“But it's going to take him a little bit of time to implement his style on those players and then get them integrated into the team.
“I'm not worried about Villa. I think they'll be absolutely fine, they started slowly last year, he's a wonderful manager, he improves players. I don't worry for Villa.”
Villa's slow start mirrors last season, when they also began with three winless league games before recovering to finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League. With six players from the Europa League final squad departing and 11 new arrivals, Emery faces a significant rebuild.
Murphy's confidence in Emery is based on the Spaniard's proven ability to improve players and integrate new signings. Villa fans will hope the team can replicate last season's recovery, starting with their next Premier League fixture.
