‘This is the way’ – Aston Villa boss Unai Emery reveals ‘angry’ talks with Newcastle nemesis Ollie Watkins
Unai Emery has opened up on a conversation he had with angry Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is delighted with Ollie Watkins’ response after a difficult conversation about the striker’s reduction in game time.
Watkins was Newcastle United’s nemesis on Saturday evening as the Villans ran out dominant 4-1 victors at Villa Park. The England international scored the opening goal within 33 seconds, assisted Ian Maatsen’s strike for 2-0 and hit the woodwork on two occasions, all while being a right handful for centre-backs Fabian Schar and Dan Burn.
It wasn’t all sunshine and roses just a few days ago, though, as Watkins was left incandescent at being benched for the 3-2 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final second leg. His misery was compounded by the fact that he only came on for the final 15 minutes, losing out to winter signing Marcus Rashford who led the line instead.
Watkins wasn’t afraid to let Emery know his feelings after the PSG omissions, but it seems to be water under the bridge now. “I played 20 minutes against PSG in both games. I am not going to lie, I was fuming that I wasn’t playing – I let him know that,” Watkins told Sky Sports.
“He’s the manager, you have to respect his decision. I am not one of these players happy to sit on the bench. It is something I have not experienced before, to miss out on the biggest stage. I wanted to be out on the pitch for much longer. I have played a big part to get to where we are today and I want to play in those games,” the striker explained.
Unai Emery responds to ‘angry’ Ollie Watkins
One of Emery’s strengths is his man-management skills, especially when times get tricky for certain players. That was the case when Jhon Duran was complaining about game time, it was so when Youri Tielemans wasn’t playing as regularly as he hoped last season, and it’s true again now with Watkins.
Emery completely understands where Watkins’ frustration is coming from and is encouraged by the emotions being shown, as it proves the hunger to play and the desire to succeed.
“It’s fantastic! It’s fantastic to be angry, it’s fantastic to play like the way he did today,” Emery said of Watkins in his Newcastle post-match press conference. “It’s fantastic to be ready and available in every match in the better moments like today I think he showed. This is the committed way I want.
“He’s a very good person and very respectful always. His commitment is always very, very positive with his teammates, with the club, with the coaches and with the manager.
“My conversation with every player is always trying to help support and be demanding with them, as well trying to understand their moment. Usually I am speaking with the players when it is the moment to speak individually with some players.
“With Watkins, it was a very good conversation. Of course, when he responded like today, wow, I am so, so happy for him and for the team. Also for our objectives, how we are getting through them and through their demands as well. It’s really fantastic. But every player is the same for me, trying to support and to help them.”
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