Unai Emery Discusses Player Availability, Team Mentality, and Nottingham Forest Match

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery addressed reporters ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest, scheduled for a 17:30 GMT kick-off. Key statements from his press conference included: Regarding team news, Emery stated: “We are going to train today in the evening. After that training session we are going to decide how the players are. We trained yesterday but it was a recovery day and some players rested. We are going to try to train and to know how we are after four matches in a few days.” Concerning Ollie Watkins, Emery commented: “I don’t know because we are waiting. Yesterday, he was recovering. If he is training normally and feeling good, he’s going to be available.” Addressing his team’s mentality and squad rotations, the manager explained: “I want to play the best players. I want them to play 100% in every competition – not decide between one competition or another. This is my mentality and this is the mentality I want of the players. The rotation is something we need because some players have a small chance of injuries, or they are more tired than normal. But I always try to decide the best players with 100% full mentality to play.” Regarding Nottingham Forest, Emery remarked: “Forest are always a respectful team for us. They are our rival because they are on the same points. They are doing an amazing job this season. Last year we played in different circumstances – we lost and I know how many difficulties we will have against them.” He further stated: “We will try to play with the best players we have. The best players will be more or less full in everything, [including] energy.” Commenting on Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo, Emery observed: “Now I think that I can see Nottingham Forest with his face and identity. It’s always very competitive. As a coach I played against him in Spain and in the Premier League, with Wolves and Arsenal. The matches we played were very difficult for us. His experience is very important, even in Europe.”