Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has sounded the alarm over his side’s defensive frailties as they prepare to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Villans have conceded nine goals in their six Premier League matches this season and have yet to keep a clean sheet.
They conceded two goals against Ipswich Town over the weekend, with Liam Delap bagging a brace. Villa have made a habit of giving themselves a mountain to climb in games this season. They’ve had to bounce back from losing positions against Ipswich, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Everton.
Villa have earned a reputation as the Premier League comeback king this season, constantly conceding and pushing to take a point or three. However, many believe it is not sustainable.
Emery admitted that his team’s defensive lapses are a major concern, particularly with the upcoming European fixture against the German giants. “We are not defending like last year,” he said (via The Athletic).
“It’s not for the defenders, the goalkeeper, it’s for everyone. The first defenders are the strikers, and the first attacking player is the goalkeeper.”
The absence of first-choice right-back Matty Cash due to injury has left a hole in the Villa backline. The Spanish manager was forced to turn to youngsters Kosta Nedeljkovic and Lamare Bogarde, but they have not covered themselves in glory when they got their opportunities. Emery has been using centre-half Ezri Konsa as a right-back.
Despite the defensive struggles, Emery has refused to single out any individual player for criticism. He believes that mistakes are a natural part of the game and that it’s important to learn from them. “Football is mistakes. We have to accept we are making mistakes,” he said.
“I am trying to rectify my mistakes, tactically when I am analysing my decisions during the match, and it’s my responsibility to correct those and not repeat them. For the players, it’s the same.”
Villa will look to improve their defensive performance ahead of the crucial Champions League clash with Bayern Munich tomorrow at Villa Park.
The Villans will hope to tighten up their defence and secure a positive result against Bayern Munich following their comfortable opening UCL win against Young Boys. They also welcome a desperate Manchester United side to Birmingham this weekend.
