Logo
Football
Written by

Alla Zakarian

03-10-2018 | 18:49 Football
404 Views

Mkhitaryan can't play, Aubameyang was sick and Ramsey wanted to stay in London: Emery's press conference ahead of Qarabag clash

Arsenal have won seven games in succession and now are back in Europa League action, with Unai Emery seeking his fourth triumph in the competition. They flew out to Azerbaijan on Wednesday morning, without injured 'keeper Petr Cech and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who has elected not to travel. Ahead of the game, Emery faced the press. “It’s very important for us this competition. We are giving each competition our best preparation and performance.” Emery on Azerbaijan “The travel is long but that’s not an excuse because we have done a lot of travel in our careers, the players and the coaches.” Emery on Iwobi “It’s good to train on the pitch so we can get used to it. It will be better to get used to it and prepare for the match tomorrow.” On Mkhitaryan's absence “He can’t travel here. We are here with the players with the best preparation to play them tomorrow.” Another chance for Smith-Rowe? “Even last year I would like to believe we take every competition seriously. Emile has been involved so we still have youth players involved - but we are taking the competition very seriously.” On Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang & Ramsey omissions “I explain Mkhitaryan can’t play tomorrow. Aubameyang was sick, he can’t play. Aaron asked me if he could stay in London because he wife is pregnant and they are waiting.” Leno to start “The best is only to think about the match tomorrow. We want to finish first in the group and to win tomorrow with the best players to play. We are very happy with Leno and I want to give him confidence to keep him playing. Martinez can play I’m sure, but tomorrow I will tell the players the first XI so today I want them all to think they will play tomorrow.” On Qarabag “We have a lot of respect for Qarabag - They started with a good performance against Sporting. They lost 2-0 but it was a good performance. They have good players, good spirit and with a good tactual input on the game. I remember last season Atletico Madrid couldn’t win two games against them last season., That is two very good examples why we have respect for them.” On Mkhitaryan again “My work is football. I respect each person, each culture, each country, but I don’t know each situation in every country. For me, he can’t play tomorrow and I have respect for Mkhi and for you. Today we are here with the players to play.” What if Arsenal reach the final - would Mkhitaryan play? “It’s a long way away. We are thinking only about tomorrow and to work for the next matches. Tomorrow is very important for us. I am here to enjoy the match tomorrow.” On Sunday's early kickoff “I would prefer more time to recover physically but we are OK for tomorrow and will be perfect also for Sunday.”

Arsenal will be missing another player in the game against Qarabag except Henrikh Mkhitaryan

     

Related News

Standings

England, Premier League