Aston Villa’s Emery dismisses incident involving Tielemans: ‘He’s like a son to me’
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has dismissed a tense sideline exchange with Youri Tielemans following the substitution of the midfielder late in his team’s Europa League victory over Fenerbahce on Thursday.
Belgium international Tielemans was taken off in the second minute of stoppage time as Villa secured a 1-0 win in Istanbul, earning a direct spot in the Europa League last 16.
Emery did not shake Tielemans’ hand after he exited the field and then pushed him as he returned to the bench.
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Nevertheless, the Villa manager downplayed the incident when questioned by TNT Sports about the exchange, stating, “He’s my son. He’s my son.”
It was a generally positive evening for Villa as Jadon Sancho netted his first goal for the club, securing the win for Emery’s undermanned squad.
Sancho, who joined Villa on a season-long loan from Manchester United in September, connected with a deflected cross from Matty Cash in the 25th minute.
Emery was without several injured players, including captain John McGinn and defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara.
Marco Bizot made several crucial saves in the second half to maintain his team’s lead, and after Morgan Rogers had a goal disallowed, the visitors received a reprieve when Kemer Akturkoglu’s equalizer was overturned by VAR, ultimately ensuring Villa took all three points.
“The most important thing today was to compete as we did, to feel good playing in our style,” Emery remarked.
“Everything they were asking us to do was to be compact, and we achieved that, and of course, to win the match and score goals. We had opportunities to net a second goal. We didn’t manage it, but we are very pleased after the feeling we had on Sunday.
“To recover this victory and now to concentrate on the next match against Newcastle on Sunday.
“The Europa League is significant for us, and we have reached the top eight, which is the most important thing right now.
“Building the team under circumstances that are not in our favor, but next week we can conclude the transfer window, and hopefully, we can acquire everything we need to finalize the squad for the upcoming months and the competitions ahead.”
Tyrone Mings made his first appearance since November after recovering from a thigh injury, contributing to Villa’s clean sheet, and Emery was quick to commend his captain after the match.
“He is intelligent and a good player, and today we needed him,” Emery noted.
“After two months without playing, he needed to demonstrate, as he did, his return, playing and showing commitment.”
PA contributed to this report.
