Mauricio Pochettino: Aston Villa manager Unai Emery ‘one of the best in the world’
On Tuesday, Chelsea secured their spot in the Carabao Cup final. This Friday, they will take on Villa, a Premier League team that is currently ranked well.
The Spanish manager Emery has revitalized Villa, who are currently five points behind league leaders Liverpool after he signed from Villarreal in 2022.
At a news conference on Thursday, Pochettino stated, “I think that Unai Emery is one of the best coaches in the world and he’s creating a very good organization at Aston Villa.”
“They have amazing players who are very excellent.
“It is clear that Aston Villa has a project, which explains why they are succeeding and winning games.
It is not surprising to me that they are among the top four. I’m ecstatic for him and all the contributors to this initiative.
“They appear to be a very capable group with clear concepts. This bunch has really talented players.”
Ollie Watkins’ strike in the second half helped Villa upset the 10-man Blues 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in September.
Pochettino also believes that his squad lost confidence and that Chelsea would have won if Malo Gusto had not been sent off for a challenge on Lucas Digne in the 58th minute.
“To be honest this was the type of game we should win,” Pochettino said.
“We had chances to score before Gusto got sent off in the second half and we performed really well.
“We lost all the confidence necessary for us to be in their current position when it traveled to Birmingham.
“They were really effective in the second half, but overall I thought the game was close. We expected more, but they deserve all the praise for the work they are doing.
“We cannot play with 10 men against a team like Aston Villa because they can punish you.”
Chelsea’s 6-1 triumph against Middlesbrough in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final secured their spot at Wembley, where they will take on Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp on February 25.
Chelsea is looking for its first trophy since winning the Club World Cup in 2022, when they lost to Liverpool in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals.
Talking up the occasion, Pochettino emphasized the “massive challenge” of playing against Klopp’s Reds, who are playing well.
“We’re coming up against a really strong and reliable team. It will be a tremendous task for us and they will be a formidable foe,” he remarked.
“Playing Liverpool in the final has all the makings of an incredible challenge, and it will be enjoyable. Although difficult, the conclusion will be fantastic.”
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