The coach was very satisfied with his team’s classification for the group stage of the Conference League
“We played a very serious and focused game”
Villarreal manager Unai Emery was very satisfied with his team’s classification for the group stage of the Conference League after beating Hajduk in Split (Croatia) on Thursday by 0-2 and stressed that in the tie they have been able to demonstrate their superiority.
“We have approached the tie with a lot of respect. In the first leg we conceded things defensively that we have corrected today. We played a very serious and focused game and we were able to show our superiority&rdquor ;, Emery said at the post-match press conference.
“Our mission was to score a goal before them, deactivate their game by defending strongly and the team has been focused to play a more complete game than the one we played at home& rdquor ;, he added.
Emery, who revealed that the playing field was not in the best conditions and “slippery & rdquor;stressed the evolution of his team with respect to last week’s meeting held in Valencia.
“We played a good game there, but we lacked respect for the demands and Hajduk’s capabilities and we’ve worked on it so that it doesn’t happen because in this environment if you let them play, they can turn you around& rdquor ;, he indicated.
The Villarreal coach did not want to assess how far his team has to go in European competition. “We think about the road, enjoy the moments and the difficulty of each rival and each trip. We are not talking about the end nor do we have to feel favorites. Football is living the moments & rdquor ;, he said.
In addition, Emery highlighted the atmosphere that they were able to enjoy in Split. “For what he represents in his field with his fans, it is a shame that he is left out. I think they deserve it. The atmosphere has been impressive and magnificent & rdquor ;, she finished.