Alejandro Garnacho issues direct message to Aston Villa boss Emery
Alejandro Garnacho has issued a defiant message to Aston Villa manager Unai Emery after scoring twice during the international break. The former Manchester United winger, who arrived at Villa Park from Chelsea during the summer window, has found playing time hard to come by this season.
Having played a mere 31 minutes of competitive football this term, the Argentine has found himself on the fringes of Emery’s plans. He was left on the bench as an unused substitute during Villa’s recent Premier League fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as their Carabao Cup victory over Coventry City.
Silencing the online critics
His lack of involvement led to some harsh assessments from supporters online, with some even claiming the young forward was already ‘finished’. However, Garnacho used the international break to remind his manager and the fanbase of his clinical edge.
With Villa organising friendlies to keep non-international players sharp, the winger seized his opportunity. He scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Championship side Southampton last week to open his account for the club.
He followed that up on Friday night in Spain, finding the net again as Villa defeated Sevilla 3-1 to lift the Antonio Puerta Trophy. After Sevilla’s Isaac Romero opened the scoring, Ross Barkley equalised before Garnacho put his side ahead, with Max Jenner later sealing the win.
A direct message to Emery
Taylor Harwood-Bellis also made his first start for the club following his transfer from Southampton, helping to shore up the defence. But it was Garnacho who grabbed the headlines, taking to social media immediately after the game to declare his readiness for the upcoming domestic campaign.
Posting a photo of himself on Instagram, the winger made his intentions perfectly clear to his manager. Garnacho wrote: “2 test, 2 goals. Ready now!”
The post serves as a direct response to Emery, who had previously publicly challenged the forward to work harder behind the scenes if he wants to break into the starting eleven.
Emery demands patience and hard work
Emery stressed that the summer signing still has a lot of catching up to do, after Garnacho did not feature on the pitch during the Carabao Cup win against Coventry City.
Explaining his selection decisions, Emery said:
“Work, work, train, work. When he can have minutes to play, try and play well.”
The Villa manager pointed out that other squad members are currently ahead of the Argentine in the pecking order. Emery added:
“He is progressing, but we have players in front of him now. George [Hemmings] is playing fantastic. Alysson is also understanding things well and is giving us things I want.”
The Spanish tactician also praised Ibrahim Mbaye’s response, emphasizing that he wants a highly competitive squad that fits his specific tactical style.
With players like George Hemmings, Alysson, and Ibrahim Mbaye all performing well, Garnacho faces a real battle to force his way into the starting line-up. Emery’s comments suggest that reputation alone will not be enough to secure a starting berth at Villa Park this season.
Emery suggested that Garnacho’s slow start to life in the Midlands was down to a disrupted pre-season. Emery explained:
“Garnacho is a little bit behind, because of some circumstances we had in pre-season. It is time to be patient for the time he needs.”
With domestic football set to resume next weekend, Garnacho will hope his friendly exploits have done enough to convince Emery he is ready to feature.
