Unai Emery insists he will not follow Arsene Wenger’s lead by treating the Europa League as an inferior competition, with the Spaniard looking to win it for a fourth time.
Emery, who led Sevilla to three successive European titles, is planning to field a strong side when Arsenal kick off their campaign against Ukraine’s Vorskla Poltava on Thursday.
In the group opener against Cologne last season, Wenger made nine changes to his starting line-up to indicate where his priorities lie. Emery believes that is the wrong approach, and although he wants to compete in the Premier League, he will not do it at the expense of the Europa League.
‘I have proven with my experience to know the best way to manage the players,’ Emery said as his side prepare to face Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday.
‘Now, it is very important for me to think first about the match against Newcastle. We need to win the three points, then think the same for the Europa League.
'My idea first isn’t to change 11 players for one competition and the next competition. The Europa League can help a lot.’
As Sevilla boss, Emery beat Benitez’s Real Madrid two years ago — the only time the coaches have faced each other.
‘Benitez was the first of the Spanish coaches to be working here and is very experienced here,’ Emery said.
‘He is a very competitive coach and Newcastle, with the support they get in their own stadium, are very strong.’
Scottkozel
72
I worry about the CB's but i believe the team will adapt faster than some think. We have a nice stretch of 'winnable' games and have won the last two. Every game is a chance to improve and we haven't even seen Torreira in full action. I think him and Guendouzi will be a great partnership and far more mobile than Xhaka and Elneny. Between Ramsey, Ozil, Mhkitarian, Lacazette and Auba we have a more than capable attack so we just need a solid CB pairing. Hopefully Koscienly will come back in better form than last season because him on form would change our team.
LovePSG
72
Wenger haven't left any mess, he left good players such Oziel, laca, Auba, Xaka, Bellerin, Ramsi, Mekhi, Monreal and many wonderful young talent such as Niles, Nilsson, Iwobi, Nekita and couple more. So Emri should not have any excuse to blame Wenger. Honestly, I don't see this team is going to improve under Emri despite the additions, the team has no spirit, the past few matches showed us an Arsenal team that does not entertain, very fragile and often confused. It is fair to sadly say that the Arsenal of Arsene will never be repeated.
operations
63
Shouldn't be expecting them to play 3 three times a week particularly when travelling to the farthest reaches of europe. We need to win it but we sailed thru the group stage last year with a weakened side. This group is tougher but we can still rotate until the knockout
pompou
34
Our best team just needs to play as many minutes under emery as they can. Only way to improve
over36
34
Arsenal and Europa. Like Two Peas and a Pod
Stockholm
16
So far the defending is as bad if not worse than it was under wenger. That is a cause for concern because another stubborn coach who values style over substance will be too much to bare.
lakerhala
15
so he should play strongest team they only played 4 games so far... keep them playing and drill the new ideas into them... only way they will learn
Carlcrain
15
I'm still not convinced with Emery and Arsenal. Something about his stubbornness doesn't sit right with me.