Unai Emery, the head coach of Aston Villa, has underscored the pressing need for his squad to enhance their consistency as they aim to build on recent successes. The Villans have experienced a mixed season thus far, with performances and results varying significantly. Currently sitting in eighth place in the Premier League, Villa recently faced a setback in the UEFA Champions League, suffering a decisive defeat against AS Monaco.
Since their last league loss to Newcastle in December, Villa's form has notably improved, highlighted by a recent away victory against Everton, a team now under the management of David Moyes. This weekend, they will take on Graham Potter's West Ham, with the objective of securing a second victory over them this season, having previously triumphed at Villa Park in the FA Cup during Potter's first match in charge.
In the lead-up to this crucial fixture, Emery has emphasised the importance of claiming all three points against West Ham, despite the competitive nature of the encounter. He remarked, "Very important, those three points on Sunday against West Ham. Very difficult, because all matches in the Premier League are very difficult."
Emery also acknowledged the potential for tactical improvements within West Ham under their new management. He stated, "Of course, West Ham, they are not being consistent, but they have now a new coach. Tactically, they are going to improve, playing matches, and they have very good players as well." While recognising that West Ham may be missing some key players due to injuries, he reiterated Villa's focus on preparation and the necessity for consistency, particularly in home fixtures.
"The most important [thing] for us is the Premier League, and to be in the table's top eight positions," he asserted, signalling Villa's ambitions to challenge for higher placements in the league standings.
Emery stressed that maintaining solid home performances has been integral to their recent success. He noted, "Consistency is our objective, and we can improve on it, only facing each match and focusing on each match." He cautioned that failing to secure a victory against West Ham could undermine their progress, referencing their recent loss to Monaco after a promising run against Everton and Arsenal.
In the broader context of the club's evolution, Emery highlighted that achieving consistency is crucial for long-term success. "The consistency we have to try to get, there is still work to do," he explained. "It is thinking each match, and focusing each match, and trying to work every day, transmitting this message with the players and with the club and with the supporters and with every worker we have here at Aston Villa."
Reflecting on the defeat to Monaco, Emery placed it within the framework of his efforts to cultivate a competitive team. He noted the shift in mentality he has sought to establish since his appointment, stating, "It's a process, because when we arrived here, the mentality was more or less to be in the top 10," emphasising the importance of aspiring for greater achievements in line with the club's illustrious history.
Despite the disappointment against Monaco, Emery remains optimistic about the progress his team is making. "We have a lot of players with very good mentality, and a lot of players, they improved a lot, being demanding in the right mentality we want, but there's still work to do," he acknowledged, also identifying areas where some players need to increase their intensity.
On the transfer front, the Villans have recently acquired young full-back Andres Garcia, which Emery described as an exciting addition. "He is a right full-back, potential, young player. He was progressing so quick, and I knew him before. I know how he was doing, as a person as well," he said, viewing Garcia as part of a long-term vision for the club.
Emery elaborated on the rationale behind signing Garcia, stating, "We decided to sign him because we were thinking it was a good opportunity, just in this moment, a really good opportunity, how he is progressing so quick in his career." He stressed that there is no urgency regarding Garcia's development, hoping for a seamless transition into Premier League football.
Regarding the departure of Diego Carlos, Emery confirmed the need for a replacement. "Of course, Carlos left in the last week, and we have to replace him," he stated, expressing openness to potential signings that could further strengthen the squad. "We are open to trying to improve the squad until the last moment, and as well, we are open in case someone is leaving," he concluded.
Emery's determination to establish a consistent and competitive Aston Villa side remains central to his objectives as the season progresses. The upcoming match against West Ham presents a pivotal opportunity for the Villans to reaffirm their ambitions and solidify their standing in the league.