Aston Villa left-back Alex Moreno has offered some brilliant insight into the workings of Unai Emery and what his ambitions are moving forward.
Moreno, 29, was signed last month from Real Betis, and has featured in all three Premier League games he has been available for thus far. The Spaniard has impressed with his attacking play, and while he will of course continue to adapt and improve, the early signs are promising in terms of him being an excellent addition.
READ MORE: Unai Emery delivers candid assessment of his Villa squad
Along with Jhon Duran, he begins the process of Emery putting his mark and influence on the Villa squad, as he looks to bring in players who not only fit his ideas and style of play, but also improve what we already have available within the group.
Moreno was evidently sold on the vision for Villa moving forward, as he opened up on what the objective for the club is under Emery and how he sees Villa as one of the major players in the league.
“The manager said the minimum we were competing for was a spot in Europe and to be as high in the league as possible,” Moreno told The Athletic. “There are some massive clubs in this league, but we are also one of them. We are a big club and I can see the project coming together.”
Further, Moreno went on to discuss what it has been like working under Emery and his coaching staff thus far, and it was a fascinating read as he gave us an idea of the detail, planning and analytics that go on behind the scenes to prepare the team for the next game.
Several members of the Villa squad have told the media in recent months that there has been a lot of video sessions and meetings since the Spanish tactician was appointed, often describing it as an almost classroom-like environment where they are constantly learning.
Emery’s attention to detail sounds hugely impressive, and those views were echoed by Moreno on his new boss as he spoke of the work that goes into their preparation and how he is motivated to succeed at the club.
“The manager is very ambitious and he takes time to work with each player individually,” he added.
“There’s also a new focus before every game because he wants a different strategy to attack. I also get sent videos to study to help me learn more about where the manager wants me to stand when I’m defending or attacking. This is my motivation to get better.
“I’m still getting used to the weather, it’s been a cold a lot. But playing in the Premier League is special. It’s one of the most demanding leagues, and the project we have here at Aston Villa attracted me a lot, so I’m very motivated.”
Although there have been disappointing setbacks along the way so far, there has been real improvement at Villa under Emery and there is a connection again between the fans, the manager and the players which arguably had broken down previously.
With clear ideas for what he wants to build, a concrete identity and style of play that he wishes to implement and with a relentless desire to succeed, it’s hoped that we continue to make positive strides in the coming months ahead of what will undoubtedly be a big summer for the club.