Every word Unai Emery said about Asensio, Rashford, FA Cup chances and win over Cardiff City
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery sat down with the media after his side's 2-0 win over Cardiff City in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Marco Asensio scored both goals in the second half as Marcus Rashford assisted the first and Leon Bailey the second. Here is every word Emery said in his post-match press conference...
That was a professional performance from your side...
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"Yes, very well. Everything we planned before was in 90 minutes with the passion we showed with the process we did in 90 minutes, controlling the game, keeping possession, trying to avoid them getting in our box and threatening us, and didn't concede corners.
"We were feeling comfortable and feeling confidence to do 90 minutes in the way we did. The second half, more or less, when we scored the first goal it was the opening to the victory we had.
"We respected the competition and opponent, trying to use the match to add more minutes and confidence in the structure with the new players and some tactical changes. Today the match was very very good for some information I can have through it. As well, winning the match."
How impressed have you been by Asensio and Rashford?
"Each one playing in his position trying to feel comfortable and the players understanding as well where is the space to use with them. As well, to try to overcome the difficulties with the opponent. Individually, I am very happy with how we played and how they are adapting to us."
The FA Cup feels like a big opportunity after some other big clubs were knocked out?
"Yes we are in the quarter final and one step forward in this competition, which we didn’t do in the last two years here but still some teams who are more favourite than us, like Man City, Man United, Newcastle. Of course, other teams.
"But we know this competition is a way for a trophy, Wembley and the Europa League and it’s prestigious for the club. Supporters are excited and motivated to share this with us and we are motivated to try to share our way with the supporters."
Asensio has now scored two braces in as many home matches...
"He’s adapting very well and has a very good opportunity with us here to play as a number 10 and he was always feeling comfortable in this position.
"When we spoke to him, even before he went to Paris, we spoke with him as well to try to get a challenge here for him in the Premier League and as a number 10 in our structure.
"He decided in the last transfer window to join us because we planned with him to play in his best position.
"He is showing his wishes to try to add to us his qualities and his possibility to link through him our midfield, striker, wingers. He has the capacity to score goals in the box like he did today.
"It is fantastic. Malen was sick today, but he was helping us as well. Rashford is progressively getting better. Andres Garcia as well, getting better and the performance of Lamare Bogarde was fantastic.
"I am happy with players who joined us in the last window and with some who were not playing with consistency. How they are responding and helping us now."
