Unai Emery underlined in his pre-match press conference the need to beat Elche and for the fans to get behind the team during the tie
Villarreal head coach Unai Emery appeared in front of the media ahead of the match against Elche CF at the Estadio de la Cerámica (Wednesday, 10pm CEST). Here are some of the standout comments from what the Basque head coach had to say.
Need to win
“Our idea is to win through how we play, and to deserve it. We’ve analysed our league season so far, trying to be realistic, but with an optimistic touch looking at certain details, and thinking that every game gives us a chance to be competitive, to control the game like we want to and to reach the area with real opportunities to score.”
Key to the game
“We’re seeing that every team is finding it hard to win, but if you haven’t won for a while, draws aren’t enough. Elche are a team with tight results, which tells you that scoring against them isn’t easy, and they cope well with tight results. They’ve got a lot of impressive draws. They’re a team who compete very well and know how to capitalise on their moments in the match. They have players with a lot of individual quality. Their manager was here and he will come keen on putting in a good performance.”
Absences
“Raba and Samu are still out, and Gerard is too. The rest of the players, theoretically, are in good conditions, taking into account having played on Sunday. We need to be capable of playing without players who are missing through injury, suspension or because they have played a lot, and that’s what the squad is for. We have to adapt to Gerard’s absence, by looking for other alternatives and finding the best place for every player. We have versatile players who help us in different situations, and that’s good. Everyone has theur role, but we’re trying to make sure they all feel important. We’re putting our trust in them.”
Fans
“We need to take a step forward and feel strong at the Estadio de la Cerámica. We need our fans and to find a positive synergy with them, for them to identify with their team. It’s our responsibility to find that energy to connect with them. The players feel that support, and that is always positive.”
Paco Alcácer
“We have to continue getting stronger and working well in a situation like last season, where one of the strikers plays off the other one up front. Paco is focused on being prepared, ready to give everything when he gets his opportunity. In Mallorca, he had nearly 30 minutes on the pitch and created danger. He’s a player who always has a goalscoring threat and the team needs him.”
Fixture list
“We have to think about each game and what winning, drawing or losing means in each competition. Tomorrow against Elche there are three points up for grabs at home and we want to have a game where we take a step forward at our stadium, and the only what to do that is by winning.”
