Unai Emery underlined that the team is optimistic going into the game against Atlético Madrid
Villarreal CF head coach Unai Emery appeared in front of the media to analyse the build-up to the tie against Atlético Madrid (Saturday, 4pm CEST). The Yellows head coach recognised the difficulty of facing the side from the Spanish capital, who have strengthened in the summer and are very dangerous in attack: “Atletico Madrid have a high level of intensity. They have a lot of potential. Now, with Luis Suárez, they have even more quality and are more competitive.”
However, Emery underlined that the team is going into the game full of motivation: “We want to end the week with a good game. We want to go into it from an optimistic point of view, being realistic when we’re competing. It’s a challenge for us and we are focused.”
To get a positive result at the Wanda Metropolitano, Emery backs his side to be solid in defence and make the most of their chances. “We need to be convincing in defence, and aggressive attacking spaces. We need to get past their press to be able to attack their box. Our intensity and our competitive level need to go hand in hand.”
Excitement and respect after learning the UEFA Europa League opponents
The Yellows also learned their UEFA Europa League Group Stage opponents this Friday, and Emery underlined his excitement at the draw. “We’ve got a good group, where each team will force us to be at our best, Qarabag, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Sivasspor have experience in Europe. Now we need to plan ambitious objectives in this competition. We will play each game with the respect that the Europa League deserves,” he finalised.
