The Holte Roar · https://theholteroar.counterpress.media/news/unai-emery-i-am-not-blaming-him-and-the-pressing-plan-behind-villas-costly-mistake-179306
Unai Emery: "I am not blaming him", and the pressing plan behind Villa's costly mistake
A manager protecting his midfielder in public while making it perfectly clear what he had seen.
04.11.26, 00:14 5 Minute Read
The story in brief
- Emery explained that Gomes and Kamara swapped sides for pressing reasons, not defensive cover.
- He declined to blame Gomes for the opening goal, while noting the midfielder had already lost Pedri twice.
- He accepted that 3-0 flattered Barcelona, and pointed to Villa's nine points as the context.
Beaten by three at Camp Nou, Emery spent most of the night explaining a decision rather than defending a result.
The explanation nobody had
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SJA and AIPS member. Aston Villa In-Ground correspondent for Opta. Football writer and commentator. If you are coming to Villa Park, you will always find me on seat E12 in the press box.