Unai Emery Confirms Ollie Watkins’ Absence in Aston Villa’s 4-0 Defeat to Brighton Amidst Al Hilal Transfer Rumors
UNAI EMERY has indicated that Ollie Watkins might have chosen to skip the match for Aston Villa.
The Villa manager noted that he had no explanation for Watkins’ absence from the squad during their significant defeat to Brighton.
The 30-year-old striker Watkins has reportedly been in negotiations with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal this summer.
Reports indicate that the Villans have turned down FOUR offers for the England forward.
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When asked about Watkins’ absence, Emery remarked: “This question should be posed to him. I cannot provide an answer. My reply is silence.”
When inquired whether Watkins opted out of playing, Emery said: “You should likely reach out to him. Perhaps his agent could offer more insight.”
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“It’s not my place to elaborate. He is the only one who can clarify the situation. I cannot.”
“I can discuss players like Emiliano Buendia, Ross Barkley, and John McGinn.”
“This issue arises every season, and we’ve learned to cope with it.”
“It’s something we must accept, and we have continually adapted accordingly.”
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Before the match, Emery simply responded with “silence” when asked whether Watkins’ time at the club had come to an end.
Watkins’ absence, along with injuries to Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo, left Emery without a recognized striker in the squad against Brighton.
Brighton managed to net four goals in just 25 minutes, with Jack Hinshelwood and Maxim De Cuyper both finding the back of the net.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also missed the match as he contemplates a potential transfer.
Emery has also lost Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, and Youri Tielemans from his Europa League-winning squad.
Moreover, new £34 million signing Joao Gomes will be unavailable for Villa’s next home match against Arsenal due to a suspension for lashing out at Georginio Rutter.
Reflecting on his team’s lackluster performance, Emery commented: “We made mistakes that led to their goals.”
“In the first 20 to 25 minutes, we completely lost control; it was an unusual and bizarre situation.”
“Conceding four goals is rare based on my experience here over the past four years.”
“Additionally, the red card significantly affected our emotional state.”
Captain John McGinn expressed remorse to the traveling supporters.
He stated: “The goals we allowed were inexcusable. We sincerely apologize to our fans.”
