Unai Emery explains why 'anger management' must be key to Aston Villa's success
Unai Emery has explained why unhappy faces are making him happy at Villa.
The boss acknowledges some players might be “angry” at not starting every match but he is hoping that remains the case as it means he has more options to choose from.
Winger Leon Bailey’s imminent return to fitness will see Emery have a fully fit squad for the first time in six months, with two players fighting for every position.
And the Spaniard, who has made eight changes for the past two matches, says that’s the way it must be if the club are to achieve their objectives this season.
Emery said: “Some of them are making faces when they are not playing.
"But I prefer it. I prefer them making faces at me when they are not playing because they are not happy, than not having players to select.
"This is the level we are achieving now. Because two years ago it was not necessary to have two players for each position. We were only 12, 13, 14 players and we were getting our objective. It was enough like that.
"But last year we did not achieve because we did not have enough players to play. For injuries or different circumstances.
"And this year, the first part of the season, we had more or less the same troubles. We were not enough players. Now, I think we are getting it.”
The depth of Villa’s squad has seen skipper John McGinn used as a substitute in two of the four matches since the international break, while top scorer Ollie Watkins has found himself behind loanee Marcus Rashford up front.
Emery has reminded every player the importance of staying focused, regardless of whether they start or not.
“To have McGinn in the bench now is a possibility,” he said. “To have Ramsey in the bench now is a possibility. To have Watkins in the bench now is a possibility.
“Of course, they are very important players. But the players have to understand it is not only to be very important players being always in the starting XI.
“A lot of matches we played the last two months we needed the substitute players impacting like they did and helping us to win. And three, four, five, six months ago sometimes we couldn't get it.”
Emery continued: "They (the players) can be angry but ready to play.
"One of the problems we had before as well is when someone is not, for different circumstances, ready to play.
"Because he is angry or he is not focusing because he is not getting to the level we want.
“Two players for one position when you are playing only one match a week. Sometimes it is not necessary.
"But when you are playing like now, we are playing and involved in Europe. We are involved in the Premier League and we are involved in the FA Cup semi-final. It makes sense.”
