What Aston Villa coach Unai Emery thinks of Chelsea ahead of their FA Cup contest
Aston Villa coach Unai Emery said what he thought of Chelsea ahead of both team’s FA Cup match which happens at Stamford Bridge today.
Chelsea will be coming from handing Middlesbrough one of their most painful defeat of the season, after beating them 6-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to avfc.co.uk ahead of the match, the coach said the FA Cup was important.
‘We want to be motivated and excited with our supporters in the FA Cup because the prestige of it is very important.
’It’s a trophy; it’s a way to get into Europe; it’s a way to feel something with our supporters in case we are going ahead in this competition.
‘I want to be contenders in this competition but the way we’re going to face it (the match) is most important. Tomorrow we’re going to play with the best players we have being focused on this match and this competition.
‘I don’t want to waste one match or our time not being competitive.’
However, in Villa’s way to the trophy is a mandatory wrestling session with Chelsea. One that Unai Emery knows will not be enjoyable.
‘They are playing being comfortable and getting stronger and I think they are progressively getting better.
‘They achieved reaching the final of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday and they’re going to face us at home with their supporters. I think they will play thinking of another way to get a trophy in this competition and play in Europe.
‘They are going to be focused because the cup is important for them. I respect them, of course, but I believe if we are competitive like we have been doing then we can be with the possibility to win tomorrow.’
Chelsea’s victories will motivate the Blues to play optimistically, but Aston Villa are expected to give their best.