Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery attended the pre-match press conference for the UEFA Champions League League Phase Matchday 3 fixture against Viking, where he discussed the team's injury situation, Buendia's contract extension, Kamara's recovery, and Maatsen's performance, among other topics.
Reporter: Can you provide an update on the team's injury situation?
Emery: "We have to accept all the injury problems we've faced. In the process of the team's development, we've had many players injured, and some are still unavailable, like Onana, who will be out for a long time. Also Matteo (Ruggueri), who will be out for about two months."
"Ian Maatsen is returning. He has rejoined the team and started training with us this week."
"Maatsen has a minor injury and will not be available for tomorrow's match; his absence is confirmed. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also injured and is expected to be out for three to four weeks."
"However, we have enough players available, so injuries cannot be an excuse. If needed tomorrow, we will find solutions. We need to perform as expected, both as a team and individually in every position."
Reporter: What is Viking's biggest threat?
Emery: "This is the Champions League. Every team that participates in the Champions League deserves to be here; they all have their collective characteristics and individual player abilities."
"Viking drew with Bayern Munich last week and had previously lost to Stuttgart. They are at the top of the Norwegian league table along with Bodø/Glimt."
"Bodø/Glimt is a team that has achieved success in European competitions; they have performed well, achieved good results, and defeated some strong opponents."
"Viking is also a newcomer; they showed competitiveness by drawing with Bayern and competing well against Stuttgart. This is the Champions League. We currently have 6 points, which is excellent. The next challenge is to maintain this performance."
Reporter: Is Buendia close to signing a new contract?
Emery: "I am very happy with him. But I don't think today is the time to answer that question."
"Your question surprised me a bit! I'm truly very happy with him. However, are we here to discuss his contract extension today? Why ask this question? Tomorrow, I expect the team to play an excellent match."
Reporter: Given Kamara's history of long-term injury, do you need to be patient with him?
Emery: "He's been very, very unlucky, suffering two serious injuries. After his first injury, he returned in excellent form. Now it's the second time, and he's gradually regaining his physical fitness."
"He has made significant progress in many areas. I look forward to seeing the best Kamara again—his ability, maturity, and game intelligence."
"He is a very professional player with many positive qualities. He can continue to improve and return to his best level in the coming weeks, months, and even years. I hope he continues to develop with us here."
Reporter: When Maatsen is fit, will he be one of your priority choices when determining the starting lineup?
Emery: "Yes. However, we are still in the process of building the team, striving to establish very high standards and demands, while also helping players understand how we want to play within our system."
"He is still learning and adapting. He can score goals and play well, but there is still room for improvement."
"This is a gradual process. In football, it's very difficult to make continuous progress every day. We must be patient, and at the same time, we should be satisfied with the progress he has made so far."
"The message we want to convey is respect. Respect for this competition, respect for European football, and also respect for the difficulties we've overcome to achieve our current results, and to maintain this form in the upcoming matches."
"If we talk about reaching the knockout stage in the Champions League, we are not the favorites. In fact, we cannot even be considered major contenders. But if we can continue to collect points as we have done, we will have a chance to reach the top eight. In the past two years, we have achieved such results in both the Champions League and the Europa League."
"However, many favored teams are now trying to avoid a repeat of two years ago. For example, Manchester City had to play Real Madrid in the knockout round because they didn't finish in the top eight of their group, and eventually one of them was eliminated. This shows how important finishing in the top eight is for them, and it is equally important for us."
"Tomorrow, we have a great opportunity to play our game, compete hard, fight for victory, and improve our ranking further."
"Most importantly, we want to show better form and energy at Villa Park, with the support of our home fans. I hope we can create a fantastic match atmosphere with our supporters tomorrow."
Reporter: How do you feel about working with the newly appointed Norwegian set-piece coach?
Emery: "We now have a set-piece coach from Norway, and I am very satisfied with him. He was formerly a player. I am trying to help him and share my accumulated experience in set pieces, while also introducing him to new working methods and a more comprehensive understanding of set-piece tactics."
"Overall, Norwegian football is developing very well now. Whether it's clubs, the national team, or individual players and coaches, they are all performing excellently."
"Pål Fjeld is a very excellent person. He joined us this summer and is gradually implementing our tactical ideas for set pieces, and working to translate these ideas into results through strong performances in matches."
"I am very satisfied with him. We have had many discussions and meetings. He is young, but he already has rich experience in set pieces from his playing career. Now as a coach, he also shows high professionalism. I hope we can achieve many good results together in the future."
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