Unai Emery Discusses Ollie Watkins’ Absence During Aston Villa’s 4-0 Defeat to Brighton Amid Al Hilal Transfer Rumors
UNAI EMERY has indicated that Ollie Watkins may have chosen to miss the match for Aston Villa.
The Villa manager mentioned that he couldn’t share any specifics about Watkins’ absence during their significant defeat to Brighton.
The 30-year-old forward is reportedly engaged in negotiations with the Saudi club Al-Hilal this summer.
Reports suggest that the Villans have turned down FOUR offers for the England international.
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When asked about Watkins’ absence, Emery said: “It’s better to ask him directly. I can’t clarify the situation. My response is silence.”
In reply to whether Watkins had opted out, Emery remarked: “It would be more suitable to discuss this with him. His agent might have more information.”
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“I can’t provide any further details. He is the only one who can clarify the situation. I cannot.”
“I can talk about players like Emiliano Buendia, Ross Barkley, and John McGinn.”
“Such situations emerge every season, and we’ve adapted to them.”
“It’s something we have to accept, and we continue to make adjustments.”
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Before the match, Emery simply responded “silence” when questioned if Watkins’ time at the club had reached its end.
Watkins’ absence, coupled with injuries to Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo, left Emery without a recognized striker for the match against Brighton.
Brighton managed to score four goals in just 25 minutes, with significant contributions from Jack Hinshelwood and Maxim De Cuyper.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also missed the game while contemplating a potential transfer.
Emery has lost Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, and Youri Tielemans from his Europa League-winning squad.
Additionally, new signing Joao Gomes, who was acquired for £34 million, will miss Villa’s next home game against Arsenal due to a suspension resulting from an incident with Georginio Rutter.
Reflecting on his team’s poor performance, Emery stated: “We made mistakes that directly contributed to their goals.”
“In the first 20 to 25 minutes, we completely lost control, which was unusual and surprising.”
“Conceding four goals is an experience I’ve never faced in my four years here.”
“Furthermore, the red card negatively impacted the team’s morale.”
Captain John McGinn expressed his apologies to the traveling supporters.
He acknowledged: “The goals we allowed were utterly unacceptable. We wholeheartedly apologize to our fans.”
