Unai Emery Discusses Ollie Watkins’ Absence in Aston Villa’s 4-0 Defeat to Brighton and Al Hilal Transfer Rumors
UNAI EMERY has indicated that Ollie Watkins may have chosen to sit out Aston Villa’s match.
The Villa manager mentioned he was not at liberty to provide details about Watkins’ absence following their significant defeat to Brighton.
The 30-year-old forward is reportedly in negotiations with Saudi club Al-Hilal this summer.
Sources suggest that the Villans have rejected FOUR offers for the England international.
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Regarding Watkins’ absence, Emery stated: “It’s best to ask him directly. I can’t provide more insight on the situation. My answer is silence.”
When asked if Watkins opted to skip the game, Emery responded: “It’s better to check with him. His agent may have more information.”
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“I cannot provide further details. He is the only one who can clarify his position; I cannot.”
“I can discuss players like Emiliano Buendia, Ross Barkley, and John McGinn.”
“Such situations arise each season, and we have learned to cope with them.”
“It’s a matter we must accept and adjust to.”
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Before the match, Emery simply replied “silence” when asked if Watkins’ time at the club was finished.
Watkins’ absence, along with injuries to Tammy Abraham and Brian Madjo, left Emery without a reliable striker for the meeting with Brighton.
Brighton scored four goals in just 25 minutes, boosted by standout performances from Jack Hinshelwood and Maxim De Cuyper.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez also missed the match while contemplating a potential transfer.
Emery has additionally lost Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, and Youri Tielemans from his Europa League-winning squad.
Moreover, newly signed Joao Gomes, who transferred for £34 million, will miss Villa’s next home game against Arsenal due to suspension from an incident involving Georginio Rutter.
On the team’s disappointing performance, Emery commented: “We made mistakes that directly led to their goals.”
“In the first 20 to 25 minutes, we completely lost control, which caught us off guard.”
“Conceding four goals is an experience I’ve never faced in my four years here.”
“Additionally, the red card greatly affected the team’s morale.”
Captain John McGinn apologized to the traveling fans.
He acknowledged: “The goals we let in were completely unacceptable. We truly apologize to our supporters.”
