Matt Maher with the latest from Unai Emery's Aston Villa press conference
Unai Emery has explained what happened between him and Mikel Arteta.
Of course, Arsenal’s thumping win to end Villa’s 11-game winning streak has gained plenty of attention, but that has taken somewhat of a back seat as people try and figure out why Emery failed to shake Mikel Arteta’s hand at full-time.
As Sky Sports’ cameras panned to the dugout on the whistle, Arteta was seen looking around for Emery, except the Villa head coach had already marched down the tunnel. The pure confusion on Arteta’s face told the story and such disbelief resonated with many viewers as the moment has since gone viral.
What happened between Emery and Arteta?
So, what exactly went on between Emery and Arteta, then? Is there an issue between the two managers that needs sorting out? Or was it all just a big misunderstanding? Well, Emery had the opportunity to address the moment post-match as he was asked about it during his Sky Sports interview.
“I was waiting for him but he was with his coaches,” Emery began. “Always, my routine is go to the opponent coach (first), shake hands and then go inside or with my coaches. But firstly, always is to go with the opponent coach. If he’s not doing the same rule, I cannot wait. Then nothing happened.”
Emery was then asked if he was unhappy with Arteta. “No, no, no. I am so happy,” Emery exclaimed. “Okay, even losing today, overall I am happy with the way and with everything happening. Congratulations to Arsenal.”
One more question on the matter was then directed Emery’s way as he was asked to clarify if there are no issues at all with Arteta: “Not for me,” Emery reiterated. “But I cannot wait because it was cold!”
Continue Reading