Unai Emery remains tight-lipped on Marcus Rashford’s impending loan move to Aston Villa – but Spaniard insists his side ‘need some players’ before the transfer deadline on Monday
Unai Emery believes Aston Villa’s squad need reinforcements before the transfer window closes next week in the wake of his side’s shock 2-0 defeat by Wolves.
The Spaniard witnessed his side lose their seventh Premier League match following a Champions League tie, as goals from Jean‐Ricner Bellegarde and Matheus Cunha fired Wolves to victory at Molineux.
Emery was unable to turn to impact sub Jhon Duran on Saturday night following his £65million move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.
Villa are closing in on the loan signing of wantaway Manchester United star Marcus Rashford but Emery, who refused to comment when asked about the 27-year-old, has insisted that his roster needs further additions if they are to compete for the rest of the term.
‘We need some players,’ he told the BBC post match. ‘We need to replace some players who left. Tomorrow and Monday are the last two days.
‘I think we’ll get some players to help us because we’re in the Champions League last 16. We have to try to get points in the Premier League to be top eight, seven, six, five.’
Unai Emery has stressed the need for new signings before the January transfer window slams shut on Monday
Jhon Duran, who scored 12 goals for Villa this term, has completed a £65million move to Al Nassr
Villa are closing in on the loan signing of wantaway Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford
Defeat at the hands of their Midlands rivals saw Villa lose ground in the race to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Villa missed the chance to close the gap on fourth-place Manchester City to just one point ahead of their clash against Arsenal on Sunday.
Emery admitted that his side deserved nothing from their clash against Wolves on Saturday night but maintained that his side have progressed during his time in charge.
He added: ‘I was frustrated. Still work to do. The frustration is with the ambition we have.
‘We are not Manchester City – the teams strong in everything. We are increasing our level, our demand but we don’t have the power they have. We have to do it intelligently. To get Europe two years in a row and be in the last 16 this year is fantastic. To be consistent in the Premier League has been more difficult for us.
‘We competed today at the beginning, trying to get this challenge. First half was really bad. We started well but didn’t control the game.
‘We needed it [changes]. Fresh legs. Tactical change with Bailey going wide. Second half we were better. We created two or three changes to score.
‘I think we deserved to lose.’
Villa have eight days to prepare for their FA Cup fourth round clash against Tottenham at Villa Park, while a top-eight finish in the Champions League League Phase has ensured their safe passage to the last-16, which gets underway next month.
