Aston Villa star Emi Buendia has detailed the conversation he held with Unai Emery this summer, which led to his turnaround under the Spaniard this season.
AS have an interview with the 29-year-old today. He’s riding high after playing a starring role in Aston Villa’s Europa League success, before heading to the World Cup with Argentina.
Best Aston Villa season
The midfielder has enjoyed his best season in an Aston Villa to date. He managed 11 goals and nine assists in 54 games in all competitions, playing a key role under Emery after returning in the summer.
He came back to Aston Villa in the summer following a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen in the second half of last season.
The belief had been that he would be moved on in the summer, with Aston Villa’s focus on different players. A difficult summer window, though, gave the Argentine his chance to impress. He’s done just that and explained how.
“A lot of hard work. A lot of hard work, a lot of self-confidence, too,” he said when asked what the key to the turnaround was.
“I always knew and conveyed to both the coach and the coaching staff that I felt capable of staying at the club this season.
“Then, throughout the season, with hard work, you see things start to go well. That is key in this sport. And well, it’s also about personal confidence, confidence in my teammates, in the coaching staff, and the effort to achieve my best season personally.”
Unai Emery conversation
His return to Aston Villa last summer saw him holding talks with Unai Emery over what he could do moving forwards.
The midfielder had previously struggled to impress under the Aston Villa boss but is now one of his star men. And he revealed what their conversation entailed before the season began.
“When the transfer window opened, we had a conversation where we discussed what I could contribute to the team,” he added.
“I made it clear that I wanted to stay and help the club. Emery knows how to get the best out of each player. Personally, in my role on the field and considering the demands he places on each player, we work individually to be able to accomplish everything he requires as the coach.
“From the beginning, with a lot of hard work, paying close attention to every detail, to everything that could make a difference. We grew alongside the team throughout the season.”
Transfer flop to success
The turnaround is an interesting one for the Emi Buendia, who was considered a major flop before impressing under Emery.
He moved to Villa Park in a €38.4m deal in 2021 after impressing at Norwich City for three years. He was a star for the Championship side but struggled to make the step up to the Villans. Now he’s a key player and is thrilled remembering that move five years ago.
“It wasn’t such a big leap because I had three incredible seasons with Norwich, in which we all won the Championship. In the middle season we played in the Premier League, but we couldn’t avoid relegation,” he concluded.
“When I signed for Villa, I already had the experience of having played at the highest level in the world. I also grew up adapting to the pace of English football, which is essential for playing this dynamic style. And then developing the technical skills that are so important.
“I remember the call from Aston Villa with great emotion because the project they presented to me, fortunately, gradually became a reality over the years.
“The club’s ambition was to achieve the kind of things we’re experiencing now. It was a huge step in my career. I’m personally very proud of it, and today I can enjoy all these wonderful things.”