Unai Emery has said he has a lot to offer as Aston Villa boss after being nominated for the Premier League’s Manager of the Season award.
Emery has overseen an impressive transformation at Villa Park since replacing Steven Gerrard last October, taking them from fifth place to the brink of European football next season.
The 51-year-old Spaniard is on the six-man shortlist, along with Manchester City’s Josep Guardiola, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, Newcastle’s Eddie Howe and Fulham boss Marco. Silva.
When asked about his appointment, Emery said in a press conference: “We want to win some trophies or get respect for our work, but I try to focus every day on getting better and trying to improve.
“Our journey here has just begun and I’ve only spent 10% of the time here that I would like to be here, trying to get better, trying to build a strong project and achieve our goals. For now, I’m proud of everyone here.”
Villa have won 14 and lost only six of their 26 top flight games and continue to struggle for last place in the Europa League.
Emery, a four-time Europa League winner as manager of Sevilla (three times) and Villarreal, and a runner-up with Arsenal, is known for his intense approach to his work.
He said: “I always try to enjoy my work and I enjoy it every day. I feel passion for my work.
“When we play and face big challenges every week, every month, every year, you have to be very focused and put a lot of time into achieving the best possible results.
“When I have two days off, I enjoy it and try to take my mind off work – not completely, but I enjoy doing different things.
“When I’m focused here, preparing for training, preparing for matches, trying to complete our work, of course I spend many hours here.”
Villa are level on points with Tottenham, who sit in the European Conference League after a 2-1 win over the Londoners last week and a game against Champions League contenders Liverpool on Saturday.
Emery said he enjoys the challenge at Anfield, adding: “They have very high level players and a good bench to use in the second half and they also have a very good manager (Jurgen) Klopp.
“The crowd there is very supportive. This is what we will face. I want to play against them, prepare for the match and use our chances.
“We want to do better than them in 90 minutes. This is the difficulty we will face. We have to be clinical.”