Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Wednesday’s Champions League game against Club Brugge (kick-off 17:45 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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Emery confirmed that both Matty Cash and Ross Barkley have not travelled with the squad and are not available for the match.
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On the importance of reminding players how well they have done after recent difficult results: “We are going to try and separate different competitions. We lost in the Carabao Cup and in Premier League and then a draw, but trying to separate and focusing in each moment how we are. Building the team we are trying to create. To be tactically always understanding in 90 minutes and feel strong enough, mentally and even emotionally. We are building this process.”
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He said the match against Brugge “is completely different” and his side are “very motivated and excited [by] each match”.
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Emery said it is “is really amazing what we can achieve” if Villa win on Wednesday as it brings them a step closer to being in the top eight.
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He added: “Tomorrow we are aware of possibility to get a fourth victory and 12 points. The expectation to be in top eight is 16 or 17 points. The best teams in Europe will be there, but there will be some surprises. If we get there it will be a surprise.”
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On if the pressure is on them to win this game: “Not feeling it like pressure… If we are playing in a good level then for them [Brugge] it will be difficult, but if we are not, then it may be easier for them. We are respecting Club Brugge.”
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On if the next month is decisive in their season: “We are demanding, we are increasing our standards. We want to be consistent on the field. We are not favourites like other top teams in the Premier League. In Europe, there are other teams in front of us who are favourite. We are being competitive, from when I arrive here until today, at a high level. In the league we are competing in top five on average.”
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He added: “We have to work more than other teams. Other teams can have capacities to be favourite but our way is clearly to be a fighting team. Working hard mentally, tactically, emotionally, to be more intelligent than other teams.”
