Aston Villa manager Unai Emery addressed the media ahead of Thursday’s Europa League fixture against Bologna at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, which starts at 20:00 BST.
Here are the main takeaways from his press conference:
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Emery reflected on the international break: “Having players compete for their national teams is beneficial as it helps them maintain their rhythm. Some have had more rest than usual, while others have been focused on training. We aimed to find a balance and ensure we maintain the mental process we are developing. We feel prepared.”
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He provided an update on Jadon Sancho, indicating that the winger is close to returning, perhaps within “one or two weeks”.
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Emery praised Bologna’s manager, Vincenzo Italiano, noting his strong track record in knockout competitions, having reached three finals in the last three years with Fiorentina (twice) and Bologna.
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He emphasized the need for his team to “adapt” tactically to counter Bologna’s pressing style: “I have experience playing against Italian teams. They play with clarity and are consistently aggressive in duels. It’s going to be a challenge to impose our tactics and positioning. To compete, we must adapt.”
Listen to full match commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live
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[BBC]