'No way' - Unai Emery brutally rejects Arsenal claim in Aston Villa confession

Unai Emery has denounced claims he’s not giving 100 percent to his Europa Conference League team selections ahead of Aston Villa’s fixtures against LOSC Lille and Arsenal.

First taking on French opposition in the quarter-final stage of Europe’s third elite competition, Villa face one of their most important evenings in recent history. It’s the first time the Villans have reached the last eight on the European stage for 26 years yet there are still doubts over the level of focus with Premier League matches coming thick and fast.

Emery is unimpressed by a line of questioning he claims paints him as slightly uncommitted to the two legs against Lille. “I always respect everyone’s opinion, but I have to confess that honestly, it didn’t make me happy to hear some of the questions I have received recently,” Emery wrote in his Lille pre-match programme notes.

“Like if we are keeping an eye on Arsenal or if Sunday’s match in the Premier League can condition tonight’s match. No way. We are, as a club, in a European quarter-final after 26 years! We should not give 100% – 200% of our attention is the minimum required,” Emery continued.

It’s unclear whether the comments are directed at journalists, fans or both but it’s sure Emery is frustrated regardless. What matters most to the manager is not the questions but rather the performances on the field – and he’ll be hoping his men in claret and blue can get off to the perfect start against Lille at Villa Park.