Europa final: Emery warns against missing chances against Chelsea
Ahead of Wednesday’s Europa league final billed for the Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan, Arsenal Coach Unai Emery has warned Nigerian international Alex Iwobi and his Gunners teammates to resist the temptation to miss chances against London rivals Chelsea.
The Gunners have been taking their training seriously since touching down in Baku. Although Emery appears satisfied with the input of his players in training, he insists translating the efforts in training into a good job on Wednesday is one task that must be done.
The match is a must win for the Emirates landlords if they wish to have a taste of Champions league action next season. The former PSG manager did not only warn against missing chances in Baku but also read the riot act hinting that the idea of players choosing and picking matches they want to play is gone for good.
He said: ‘The first idea I had to transmit to the players this season was that we are going for it in every competition.
‘We know we are in the Europa League. We needed to feel it’s’ importance as a competition.
‘But when we stared to play the first matches, some players preferred to play in the Premier League
‘I explained then to every player that we needed the same focus on every competition that I will decide when you are going to rest, or not.
‘What I didn’t want was a player thinking: ‘I won’t play today,’ and yet when we arrive at the semi-final or the final you say: ‘I’m here to play.’
‘No. I want you here. I want you ready to play – and you will be ready to play throughout this season.
‘Of course, some injuries can stop you from playing.
‘But the focus all the season is in this competition with a big focus and a big ambition to do something important. And to feel this competition like we want it.
‘The team has focused on this competition and is thinking about doing something important.’
The Gunners head into Wednesday’s final under more pressure than Chelsea to deliver the Europa League for their fans.
Chelsea piped Arsenal to a top-four Premier League spot to ensure their qualification for next season’s Champions League.
The Gunners’ only route into the Champions League is to win the Europa League, which would be their first European title since 1994.