SHARP EMERY WANTS DEFENCE TO PLAY A BLINDER
ARSENAL manager Unai Emery is demanding his defence be as tough and uncompromising as his new TV love – Peaky Blinders.
For reasons he can’t explain, the Spaniard is gripped by the Midlands gangland drama where returning World War One hero Thomas Shelby and his band of thugs kept razors in peaked caps and slashed their rivals.
Emery laughed and joked when it was suggested his defence might also need similar rough tactics. He said: “It’s tough, aggressive but good, good, good. Just how I would like my defence.” Emery, however, is yet to catch up with former manager Harry Redknapp’s escapades in the I’m a Celebrity jungle, adding: “Nope, not yet, but will do.”
Arsenal today go up against a Bournemouth side managed by Eddie Howe, who many thought was ideal to replace the Gunners’ departing boss Arsene Wenger at the end of the season.
The Cherries have only conceded one more goal
than Emery’s side, who have let in 15 goals in just 12 league games.
The Spaniard is aware of the pressure demanded from the club’s board and fans and acknowledged his defence must tighten up before they are capable of mounting any serious bids for silverware. He said: “It is something we are working on.”
Emery can’t wait to sit across from Howe, who he sees as a man with a similar background. The Emirates supremo retired as a player aged 32 after a career mainly in Spain’s lower leagues and the Cherries boss ended his playing days in 2007 aged 30.
“His career ended through injury, it made him more hungry,” Emery said. “In my personal experience, in my home, when I was very young all my family was in football.
“And when I could not be a player, my focus was continuing in this world and in this professional activity.
“I started like a coach and today I am here. I think Howe experienced a similar situation. I don’t know if it’s an obsession, but I love football. Football is my passion. It’s my work but I don’t think every day that it is my work, it’s my best hobby.
“Every match is to learn and to create your way. Now Bournemouth are in a good moment in history, personally for the players and coach, and also their supporters.
“The atmosphere will be very good for them and for us.”