LONDON – Mikel Arteta will put his admiration for the “unbelievable” Unai Emery on hold this weekend, as the Arsenal manager aims for a crucial home win against Aston Villa on April 14.
Arteta has been impressed by the impact his fellow Spaniard has made on Villa since his return to the English Premier League after a disappointing spell at Arsenal.
Emery was sacked by the Gunners in November 2019, less than 1½ seasons into his reign at the Emirates Stadium.
But the 52-year-old rebuilt his career at Spanish side Villarreal and has transformed Villa into top-four contenders following his 2022 move to the Midlands.
Emery notched his 1,000th game in management with a 2-1 Europa Conference League quarter-final, first-leg win over Lille on April 11.
“Unai’s had such a big impact at the club in terms of performances and consistency. It is unbelievable what he is doing in European competition and I’m impressed,” Arteta said on April 12.
“He’s unbelievable and he’s done it in so many countries and been incredibly successful. He’s close to my home town and I have huge admiration for him and I wish him the best after Sunday. What he’s doing is really impressive.”
While Arteta respects the work done by his compatriot, he cannot afford to lay out the welcome mat when Villa visit north London.
Arsenal will need a win to return to the top of the Premier League, after they were displaced on April 13 by Manchester City, who beat Luton Town 5-1.
The Gunners have to focus on their bid for a first English title since 2004 on the back of a frustrating 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final, first leg in midweek.
Arteta’s men needed a late equaliser from Leandro Trossard to keep the tie delicately balanced ahead of April 17’s second leg in Munich.
He admitted that his players’ emotions were running high during the team’s first Champions League quarter-final since 2010.
“There was a lot to take from the game and especially how we managed emotionally,” the 42-year-old said.
“We were very dominant and ahead, and in 15 minutes we were behind a top side and had to deal with that emotionally, which is really tough to do and I think the team did brilliantly to manage that situation.”
With seven Premier League games left, Arteta could finish the season with a remarkable English title and Champions League double.
Asked if he is relishing the opportunity, he said: “For sure, because we can be in the semi-finals of the Champions League and top of the Premier League so every game is going to define what our future looks like. “We are super excited about what we are doing, the way the team are performing, winning matches, they want more.”
Emery, meanwhile, did not speak too much when asked whether he has an advantage having managed Arsenal before, insisting that there were “different circumstances” and what is important is the match now.
He added: “We’re playing at the Emirates, they are fighting for the Premier League trophy. We’re fighting behind them trying to keep our fifth position.” AFP
