Unai Emery shares why it will be ‘very difficult’ for Aston Villa to beat Leeds United

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Leeds United welcome Unai Emery and Aston Villa to Elland Road on Sunday.

It is a tricky test for Daniel Farke, given the fact Emery has never lost to a newly-promoted side in 17 meetings, and has steered his side to eight wins from their last ten outings across all competitions.

Despite that, the Aston Villa boss still believes this clash against Leeds will be “very difficult” – citing the effectiveness of Elland Road as a key factor.

Unai Emery highlights how Leeds United fans make Elland Road a fortress

Leeds have won two, drawn two and lost just one of their five games at Elland Road this season, and the Spaniard is understandably wary of how effective home advantage can be.

The official AVFC website quote Emery as saying: “On Sunday, we’re respecting them a lot because it’s always very difficult away, and it’s always very difficult against Leeds at Elland Road.

“After the last results they had, they’re wishing to show and to play (a) good performance…we are ready, but it’s going to be very difficult to beat them.”

Emery has only ever faced Leeds once in his managerial career, but managed to make it a memorable occasion as his Aston Villa side defeated the Whites 2-1 at Villa Park back in January 2023.

Leeds United could have hired Unai Emery

Had Andrea Radrizzani been less loyal to Jesse Marsch, Leeds could have had the 54-year-old managing them right now instead of Farke.

Radrizzani admitted Emery was a genuine option for Leeds had he sacked the American sooner than February 2023, while Julen Lopetegui was another potential appointment.

The Italian said: “We spent a lot of time trying to find someone with a similar style of play as Marcelo (Bielsa). I regret that we didn’t change sooner. Jesse is a good coach but I could see signs of frustration and misunderstanding.

“We could have had Unai Emery or Julen Lopetegui but we missed that window. Then we tried with Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola after the (December 2022) World Cup but it was too late. It was my responsibility.”

Emery has since gone on to become a leading manager in Europe, taking Aston Villa to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals last season, where he pushed his former side PSG close in a 5-4 aggregate defeat.

Therefore, missing out on the man from Hondarribia will surely irk Leeds fans, but they will feel a lot better if Farke finds a way to defeat him on Sunday.