Unai Emery’s press conference: Aston Villa-Leicester City

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against city of leicester (start at 15:00 GMT).

These are the key lines from his press conference:

Emery spoke about those who cannot play: “Not Jhon Durán because he is suspended (and) not Pau Torres because he has a broken metatarsal and will be out for more or less two months. Diego Carlos is not ready either – He has a small injury, “Not Morgan Rogers because he is suspended with five yellow cards. The other players are in the squad and available.”
On the future of Jaden Philogene, who has been linked with a move to Ipswich: “He has potential and he didn’t show it in his first six months with us. He played some important games, like against Bayern Munich and Manchester United.” “I don’t want him to leave, but we are talking about different options and maybe there could be one for him. He is not available for tomorrow’s game.”
On his achievements in 2024: “We have achieved our best goal we can dream of: being in the Champions League. Now we start the new year, focusing on the game against Leicester and starting the second part of the season at home.”
On his plans for the transfer market: “The club is trying to increase our level. If someone has to leave, we are open. The most important thing for me is tomorrow’s game. I’m not going to talk much about it in the transfer window. “
On the possibilities for Villa in 2025: “Our challenge is to always try to improve, increase our demands and our standards in everything. The Champions League will be fantastic. Hopefully we can continue to improve and be consistent.”
On Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy: “As a player he was fantastic. I admired him a lot, also as a manager. I had a little conversation with him when he was here with Manchester United at Villa Park. Hopefully he can show his potential as coach as he did as a player.