EMERY: PEP WILL STAY FOCUSED ON HIS RIVALS

UNAI EMERY believes Pep Guardiola will not be caught up in the maelstrom of controversy circling Manchester City.

Aston Villa’s boss has crossed swords with the Etihad chief on numerous occasions during their careers both in Spain and in the Premier League.

Despite the pressure the alleged 101 breaches of the competition’s rules has brought on the reigning champions, Emery is convinced his opposite number and fellow Spaniard will have only one thing on his mind.

He said: “I know Pep well. They are investigating his club but he will be focusing on the match. He will be analysing our match, he will be looking at his team and then the opposition.

“He will be involved only in matters on the pitch and his preparation for facing us. As coaches, we have to focus on the match and what happens on the pitch. We can only deal with the issues which are in our hands.

“Of course, each team we face places different demands on us tactically. Manchester City is a great team who have had years of improvement, when they have won a lot of trophies.

“They are targeting the Champions League as well. But for us this is a good match which will challenge us.”

The great unknown is how City will react. Villa have won all three of their league fixtures away from home under Emery since the former Arsenal boss took over from Steven Gerrard.

They have moved away from immediate relegation danger but have not won at the Etihad since 2007 when John Carew and Shaun Maloney scored in a 2-0 victory.

Villa will have less than fond memories of their final-day collapse last term, when Guardiola’s men stormed back from a two-goal halftime deficit to win 3-2 and clinch the title.

Villa’s form under their new boss has been solid, apart from last week’s hiccup against Leicester.

Emery (above embracing Guardiola) added: “I don’t think the pressure caused by issues from outside will affect the way they play on the pitch.

“Because the players and the coach and the supporters will push hard and try to forget the things which are not in their hands.

“Speaking about the rules is not my business. But as a coach, managing players, we have to believe in our clubs. I had this trust with every team I’ve worked for, that they were following the rules.

“Hopefully for the sake of football everything has been done well because as professionals we need to trust and believe that everyone is following the rules.”