The coach of the Villarreal, Unai Emery, said this Tuesday that he has had lucky to have coached Arsenal, his team's rival in the semi-finals of the Europa League, despite the fact that his stint at the English club did not end as he wanted, although he added that he is now happy at the Castellón club.
“The history of Arsenal is known all over the world. I am fortunate to have trained there, although it ended in unwanted circumstances. Now I'm happy where I am and I appreciate my new job as a coach at Villarreal, “he told UEFA.com.
The Basque coach assured that he has “great memories” of his stay at “one year and four or five months” at Arsenal after having lived “great moments together on the field, such as the arrival and preparation of the final (of the Europa League) against Chelsea.”
“There are many players who are still there, players who started their careers with me as a coach,” said the now Villarreal coach, who recounted a “little anecdote” about Bukayo Saka.
“He made his debut (in the Premier League) on January 1 (2019) against Fulham, which I remember winning 4-1. I think he started the game at 12:30, and he played the last eight or ten minutes and didn't play. the ball. Now it is establishing itself at a high level, “he recalled.
What's more, Emery dHe pointed out that several of the players of his time are still at Arsenal and he has good memories of Héctor Bellerín, (Calum) Chambers, (Rob) Holding, which he described as “exceptional types”. and of (Mohamed) Elneny, “who is an extraordinary player and an extraordinary person,” he added.
“They have (Alexandre) Lacazette, to (Pierre-Emerick) Aubameyang, to (Gabriel) Martinelli, which is becoming more important now after a serious injury. (Nicolas) Pépé is also an important player, who I think is establishing himself and gaining more and more confidence, “added the Spanish coach.
He also highlighted that Mikel Arteta is “installing his own label in the team “and he believes that in the way he plays it is” easy to identify that he is recovering that Arsenal tradition of playing attractive football. “
“His first steps as Pep Guardiola's assistant have served him well to position yourself in this new profession that is the coach. Had his time (playing) there with Arsène Wengerso I'm sure you can apply everything you learned. I think it's a good marriage: Arteta – Arsenal, Arsenal – Arteta “, manifested.
In order to Emery, when Arsenal are in shapeIt is a “first level” team as in his opinion it has been seen this season, but he added that Villarreal is also one when it finds its way.
In addition, he stated that he wants to overcome this semifinal for him and for Villarreal and that two years ago he defended the colors of Arsenal in the final against Chelsea, and now he feels that affinity for Villarreal's yellow.
“I will have to put aside my feelings for Arsenal, and I will have to put all my energy so that the 'yellow submarine' prevails in the tie. It will be a great duel, regardless of whether you have trained there recently.“, he concluded.