‘One of the best coaches I’ve worked under’
Published:Friday | March 8, 2024 | 12:09 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
Reggae Boy Leon Bailey has credited Aston Villa coach Unai Emery for his rich vein of form as he believes that the Spaniard’s keen eye for detail makes understanding football a lot easier.
“He’s amazing, and he’s one of the best coaches that I’ve worked under. The details of how he wants the team to be structured every game moving forward is amazing. It’s good as a player to have that understanding going out on the pitch as he makes sure that he takes the time to ensure that we understand every single detail,” Bailey stated on Wednesday, a day before yesterday’s Europa Conference League match against Ajax.
The 25-year-old winger stated that even players that aren’t regular starters whenever they are thrown into competitive action, they integrate seamlessly due to the behind-the-scenes planning that is being done by coach Emery.
“That’s why we have players, whenever they come off the bench, it’s almost like they’ve started the game because they’re ready, understand their role and what they’re expected to do,” he added.
Bailey, who many pundits believe is having his best form ever in top-flight football in Europe, has played 25 league games, scoring eight goals and registering eight assists. According to him, he is in agreement with those sentiments and hopes the form will carry on for much longer.
“I would say yes, at the moment things have been going well for me as I’ve being scoring goals, giving assists, and I’ve been turning up for the team whenever I’m called upon. Right now I’m feeling good, and it’s the best moment of my career,” he stated.
Bailey’s Aston Villa are currently fourth in the English Premier League on 55 points, five clear of Tottenham Hotspur in fifth. While having to cope with at least two top-level matches per week, Bailey shared that he and his teammates are revelling in the excitement as the team is currently enjoying life.
“The players are excited as everyone is so locked in as the coaches ensure that. The players love to compete as coach Emery instils the importance of competing and wanting to win all the time. Everyone is ready for the next one. We love the game, and everyone is enjoying the football at this minute,” he revealed.
Aston Villa were held to a 0-0 draw by Ajax in yesterday’s match.