Unai Emery Asserts Ollie Watkins Withdrew from Aston Villa’s 4-0 Defeat to Brighton Amid Al Hilal Transfer Rumors
UNAI EMERY indicated that Ollie Watkins may have opted out of playing for Aston Villa.
The Villa manager mentioned that he could not explain the reason for Watkins’ absence from the squad during their significant loss against Brighton.
The 30-year-old forward Watkins has reportedly been in discussions with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal this summer.
The Villans are said to have rejected FOUR offers for the England international.
In response to inquiries regarding Watkins’ absence, Emery remarked: “This question is for him. I can’t respond. My answer is silence.”
When asked if Watkins had chosen not to participate, Emery replied: “I think you should contact him. You might want to reach out to his agent for clarification.”
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“It is not my role. Only his answer can clarify the situation. I can’t.”
“I can talk about players like Emiliano Buendia, Ross Barkley, and John McGinn.”
“Nonetheless, this topic arises every season, and we have learned to handle it.”
“It is something we must accept, and we have consistently responded.”
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Before the match, Emery simply replied “silence” when asked if Watkins had ended his tenure at the club.
Watkins’ absence, coupled with injuries to Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo, forced Emery to put together a lineup without a recognized striker against Brighton.
Brighton scored four goals in just 25 minutes, with Jack Hinshelwood and Maxim De Cuyper both finding the net.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was also absent from Villa’s roster as he considers a potential transfer.
Emery has also lost Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, and Youri Tielemans from his Europa League-winning team.
Additionally, new £34 million signing Joao Gomes will miss Villa’s forthcoming home match against Arsenal due to a red card for kicking out at Georginio Rutter.
Concerning his team’s disappointing performance, Emery commented: “We made mistakes that led to their goals.”
“In the initial 20 to 25 minutes, we lost control; it was an unusual and strange scenario.”
“Letting in four goals is unusual considering my four years here.”
“Moreover, the red card severely affected our emotional state.”
Captain John McGinn apologized to the traveling fans.
He stated: “The goals we conceded were unacceptable. We sincerely apologize to our supporters.”
