Unai Emery speaks out on Mkhitaryan, Baku and Chelsea ahead of Europa League final

Chelsea will take on Arsenal in the Europa League final in Baku on Wednesday 29 May in what will be the first of two all-English European finals before Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham the following Saturday. Unai Emery has a famous history in the Europa League, winning the competition three seasons in a row during his time with Sevilla, while Chelsea are hoping for a first triumph under Maurizio Sarri in his second cup final with the club, having lost the Carabao Cup to Manchester City in February. Ahead of the game, Arsenal boss Unai Emery has faced the press. “We’ve been preparing for this match. Our focus is clear for the final. Each moment is different. Here’ with Arsenal our experience is important but above all each moment is.... the possibility to win a title. We want to enjoy this moment. We have worked very well in this competition. In the last rounds against Napoli and Valencia. Chelsea focused also and have a big motivation too. They have won this title a few years ago. Each moment, each match is a new history, a new possibility. When you work in football you want to feel special moments. To enjoy this match, in extra time, on penalties,” said Emery. Arsenal have officially confirmed that Armenian international Henrikh Mkhitaryan will miss the Europa League final. On Mkhitaryan, Emery said: “It’s bad news. We need to understand the political problem but we must respect it. I can’t believe it. I spoke with Mkhitaryan this morning but it’[s a very personal issue. He wants to play with the team. He spoke to his family. I come from the Basque country and we have big political problem too. I can understand his decision. It is very personal also. The decision is not in my hands but I respect him” Only 6000 Arsenal fans will have a chance to watch the game from the stadium: “I think our supporters want to come with us to the stadium. They want to enjoy this moment with the team but it is expensive I prefer to be with our fans to have a big atmosphere with our supporter. I know Arsenal have a lot of supporters. I know Arsenal have a lot of fans near Baku and they will be there but we also have a lot of supporters in London and I prefer for them to be with us too. Now we are going to have fewer supporters from Arsenal and Chelsea but I hope the stadium will be full. Above all, I want to play this match with a big atmosphere.” Arsenal’s rivals in the final will be Chelsea and on them, Emery said: “They have won titles....but our way is to reduce the difference with them. Our first possibility with them is to challenge in the final."

UEFA respond to Arsenal star Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s decision to miss Europa League final