Unai Emery was as animated as ever on the touchline as we battled to a 2-1 win at Huddersfield.
After the game, he was asked about his emotions, and whether he was unhappy while watching Saturday’s performance.
Here’s what he said:
on the result…
It was very important, this victory, it is three points for us to be closer to the top four, and our target is this. Knowing we need to take the regularity at home and away, and today this victory I think can give us confidence and the possibility to continue our target in the Premier League.
on seeming unhappy on the touchline…
I am very happy. We were working very well and every player was working and helping each other. Today I am very proud with our work, every player worked. I want more every time, because in the first half the difference between them and us was two goals, and it is not enough, because if they score one they can get more. My ambition is to want them to keep the mentality and don’t concede the position to the opposition. But I know it’s easier on the bench than on the pitch but today I think the players worked well.
on whether the top four is realistic…
It is game 26 and there is a one-point difference between Manchester United and us. If we ask if it’s easy or difficult for us then I think it’s difficult, but we can [do it]. On game 26 we are on our way. Our motivation is very great and every player wants to [work hard] in every match and have regularity and consistency in the Premier League in 38 matches, and now we are getting close to our target and to the other teams.
on whether no clean sheet is a concern…
Yes, but we won. The clean sheet is important but above all is to win. We can take a clean sheet and draw only. We spoke before with the team and we said that above all it is important to win and take individual targets also. The most important thing is to score one more goal than them, and after that, a clean sheet. But I think every player worked very well, and in the last action unfortunately for us they scored, and maybe they deserved it.
on whether he thinks his emotion on the touchline is stressful for the players…
I am here. It is my personality, and if I am here it is because in my career I have progressed like that. If in one moment I think it is negative, I would not do it.
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