Unai Emery understands that Juventus are ‘the favourites’ in tomorrow’s Champions League clash but he’s confident his Villarreal can overcome the Italian side.
The Spanish side host the Bianconeri at the Estadio de la Cerámica tomorrow evening at 20.00 UK time in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie. Emery’s team qualified for the competition after winning the Europa League last season, beating Manchester United in the final.
Speaking in a press conference today, Emery first discussed how the addition of Dusan Vlahovic changes the task of facing Juventus.
“Juventus require respect in these senses, because of their history. They are one of the best Italian teams, with Champions League experience, and on an individual level for players who maintain these levels.
“Vlahovic scored 17 goals in Florence with Fiorentina, he is of the highest level. He has great skills, he’s young, he can score, he’s hungry to play and win. That’s the level we want to challenge.
“A short time ago, when we were talking about Vlahovic, I was saying this: it’s better to play against them, it’s better to play against everyone available. They’re favourites but we’re not giving up, we’re capable of overcoming teams of an excellent level and we’ll do it again tomorrow.”
The former Arsenal coach spoke about what kind of match he expects tomorrow evening.
“Tough, they can always keep their level high. They can keep a very high defence and they are very strong in the defensive phase but also in the build-up play that prevents you from creating chances.
“We will have to look for new schemes and spaces towards the goal, we are preparing the 90 minutes of tomorrow and those of Turin, or possible extra time and penalties, with a very wide vision. We will do everything to win, opportunities and skills are there, we have to do it.”
He commented on the international experience of both the Bianconeri and his own squad.
“Juventus have international players, they all have a lot of experience. But we also have players with international experience, Pau, Albiol in defence, Foyth, We’ve worked hard to be here, we don’t want recognition just because we play well but because we win.
“We have lacked the feeling of being excellent, we have been very good so far. We’re missing a bit more, that’s what I’m asking of the team. We have to be demanding with ourselves, we are here because we deserve it and we want to play against Juventus.”
Emery highlighted his respect for Massimiliano Allegri’s side and the focus required for the game.
“We must not think but act. In front of us there’s Juventus, we will find the answer in the analysis of the opponent. They are favourites, they have this feeling, they know that if they play at their best level, they will pass. We need humility and respect.”
He gave his thoughts on the removal of the away goals rule.
“It doesn’t give an advantage to one or the other, it’s normal. Before the away goals were worth something, now they’re not. What do we need to do? Win.”
The Spanish coach touched on the injury to Juventus veteran Giorgio Chiellini.
“He’s a reference point for Italian and European football and also for the World Cup. He is a player who, apart from everything he transmits on the pitch, is also important as a person. He always smiles, I remember him against Sevilla in Turin.
“He’s a guy who transmits positive energy, always. You watch him and this aspect and affection to his teammates is visible. I compare him to Albiol.”
Finally, Emery discussed the secret to consistent success in European competition.
“Success has many paths, everyone looks for their own, according to their personality, feelings and sensations. During my journey I have tried to learn and observe others. I have tried to understand what I like and don’t like but I have never wanted to lose the essence.
“I respect my opponents a lot, always, I try to get the most out of every player. There are many recipes to achieve success, despite all our differences, the work is only based on consistency.”
#VillarrealCF 🔸 🔹 | Así fue la rueda de prensa de Emery. "Estamos aquí porque nos lo merecemos y ahora nos enfrentamos a un rival que parte como favorito"https://t.co/wxk54jSKeg
— Superdeporte (@superdeporte_es) February 21, 2022
All Allegri has to do is post the meme that Villareal put out after the draw and that should motivate the players to knock this mob out. It won’t be easy as Juve always has an injury curse during the knockout phases, but it’s very do-able.
Emery, please please just ask your players to be fair and not play acting and faking injuries, cause every time I watch a Spanish team that what I saw.
Villareal will win. Allegri will go as usual: park the bus and hope for a draw and his supporters will again use the same excuses again and again about our midfielder issues but with a little twist that vlahovic and zakaria still needs time.
No matter who plays for this team, juve will always play ugly defensive football as long as allegri is still around and relies on luck all the time.
Omar you are correct.
Boori looks like you took the red pill of soccer.
Great points but you forgot one…
Iberia 20- Italy 0 (but only if the play acting and faking injuries fail they will bring in their secret weapon).