Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Saturday’s Premier League game against Manchester City (kick-off 12:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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Emery said Tyrone Mings and Leon Bailey will be in the squad for Saturday while Jacob Ramsey is progressing well but is not yet ready for selection.
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He also praised “very good professional” Youri Tielemans, who could make his 200th Premier League appearance.
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On whether the Premier League is more difficult now than when he first came in 2018: “I arrived here two years ago and I was here before. It’s always been very difficult.”
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He is convinced his side are “trying to get better”: “Tactically, emotionally, mentally, we are trying to get experiences – winning and sometimes losing. [We are] trying to be positive as well.”
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On Saturday’s game against opponents who are struggling: “It’s a very tough and very exciting match. Playing Manchester City at home is great motivation for us. It is a very good test.”
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On City’s current form of eight defeats in 11 matches in all competitions, he said he is “surprised” but “it’s football”: “They have been the best team for the last years in the Premier League and now maybe they are not being consistent for different circumstances. But they are the best and the coach is the best.”
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He also did not rule out City returning to the top of the table: “To be consistent like they are is difficult. They were successful over the last few years and being consistent in everything. They have time to be a winner again in this competition.”
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