Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has affirmed that Unai Emery‘s post-match frustration following the Sunderland draw was justified, acknowledging the team needed too demonstrate greater effort. The comments come as Villa face a challenging start to the season, sitting 18th in the Premier League after five games without a win.
Emery expressed his anger after the 2-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Sunderland, and Konsa confirmed the manager’s assessment resonated with the players. “The boss is not a big speaker… but we have been in the game a long time and we know what we need to do. It is down to us at the end of the day,” Konsa stated. “We are on the pitch, not the manager. We have to figure it out for ourselves as well.”
Villa’s arduous start has seen them eliminated from the Carabao Cup and limited to just one goal in five Premier League matches. Emery, while demanding, emphasized his intention to find solutions.”I was frustrated and disappointed but when I analysed it I was getting the balance,” Emery said.”I am demanding and always trying to understand how we can feel stronger. After the match I told the players we have to be more demanding.”
Despite the poor form, Konsa dismissed suggestions of a crisis, highlighting the leadership within the squad. “I don’t think we are at the stage where we need to have meetings,” he said. “People will talk about crisis meetings and things like that but we have got a great captain in John McGinn, who really takes the lead in stuff like that.”
McGinn reportedly addressed the team after the Sunderland match, offering encouragement. Konsa added, “After the game, he said a few words to keep us going, to keep encouraging us. Look, we haven’t started the season well. We know that. But I’m sure it’s going to go well soon.” he also noted that criticism of Villa’s current situation reflects the club’s progress over the last three years.
