Unai Emery Addresses Martinez’s Fitness, Transfer Window, and Upcoming Brentford Match

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery addressed reporters ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League fixture against Brentford, scheduled for a 20:15 GMT kick-off. Below are the main points from his press conference: Emery stated uncertainty regarding Emi Martinez’s fitness. The goalkeeper was substituted at half-time on Sunday due to a hand problem, and the club indicated they “are going to try this afternoon” to assess his condition. Addressing the club’s eight-game winless streak, Emery commented: “Work. The only way I know is to work harder and analyse everything deeply. The solution is to work to correct things and try to recover after our work.” Regarding the squad’s morale, he remarked: “The confidence is always tested, trying to get it balanced. When we win the confidence is high. We have to understand each moment, and focus with the players. The small details we have to analyse deeply because small details are being punished. In football, to win, lose or draw when the teams are so tight is the details – we are working on it.” Offering a message to the supporters, Emery said: “Enjoy. Tomorrow at Villa Park, we will need their support like they are doing and their energy. Hopefully they can transmit their energy and the capacity to play and be motivated.” Concerning the January transfer window, he stated: “The club are working on it, now I am focused on the matches, but we always have to be alert in case we can improve something in the squad.” He described Brentford as “one of the best, most consistent teams in the league in the last year,” further commenting: “It’s not the same Brentford I knew when at Arsenal. Brentford now are improving tactically and playing brilliant competitive football. I respect their work, their coach and players a lot.” Reflecting on the corresponding fixture from the previous season, Emery recalled: “Last year is a very good example. We were winning 2-0 and in 10 minutes we were losing 3-2. In the end we drew. This is Brentford.” He commended Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken, noting that he “is playing fantastic, in build-up, playing fantastic short and fantastic long balls.”