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Unai Emery has admitted to having enormous “respect” for Eddie Howe and Newcastle United’s “aggressive” style of play.
In a parallel universe, the Spaniard could have been lining up in the home dugout at St James' Park this weekend. It is no secret that the Saudi-backed regime targeted Emery following the October 2021 takeover.
Emery reportedly turned the job down and stayed at Villarreal until Aston Villa came calling a year later. Both clubs have gone on to become the main challengers to the established Premier League elite.
Newcastle qualified for the Champions League in 2022-23, with the Midlands club replicating that feat the following season. The Magpies can overtake Villa with a win on Boxing Day as the two outsiders aim to upset the apple cart again.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Emery, who lost both games to Newcastle last season, paid tribute to his opposite number Howe. He also highlighted St James’ Park as one of the most difficult stadiums to visit.
“Very difficult, because I think now they are in good form and, of course, they played two years ago in the Champions League,” Emery said. “Their objective is clearly to be in Europe. He (Howe) was doing a fantastic job with Bournemouth.
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“Always, his teams are more or less dynamic teams (with) intensity. They like to play with the ball possession and be aggressive in attack, attacking with a lot of players.
“They like to do a lot of duels on the field, man to man. They beat us last year two times and, of course, I respect them a lot. It is going to be very difficult because we know in Newcastle with their supporters, it is a very strong stadium for them (and) difficult for the opponent.
“More or less, they are being successful at home. They have lost some matches, but they are performing very well and winning a lot of matches. It is going to be very difficult. I respect the coach, I respect the players, I respect the club. It’s our big motivation on Thursday to play there.”
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