John McGinn hails Unai Emery's 'passion' after Aston Villa's Premier League victory over Fulham at Villa Park - 'I love working with him'
Published 03/05/2025 at 16:53 GMT+1
John McGinn waxed lyrical about Unai Emery's determination in steering Aston Villa to new heights after his side edged out Fulham with a 1-0 win at Villa Park. The Villans claimed three crucial points in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification thanks to Youri Tielemans' header, as Villa push to compete in Europe's premier cup competition again next season.
'He was gutted' - McGinn opens up on Emery intensity after verbal volley at Konsa
Video credit: TNT Sports
John McGinn praised Unai Emery's passion after Aston Villa boosted their UEFA Champions League aspirations with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham.
Youri Tielemans' 12th-minute header settled a tight game and moves Emery's team level on points with Chelsea and Nottingham Forest in the race for a top-five finish.
The Spaniard's relentless drive was epitomised after he went ballistic on the touchline when Alex Iwobi's ball led to a chance for Harry Wilson, with Ezri Konsa caught out of position.
When asked about the incident, McGinn told TNT Sports: "I did see it. That's his passion, his determination.
"He knows how important that win was because if we conceded a goal at that moment, the Champions League run is done and he's used to playing in European football.
"He's driven and he's passionate, determined and Ezri will get reminded of that in the [team] meeting.
"That'll get forgotten about until we watch this game before our next home game against Spurs, so he'll get reminded about that."
The Scotland midfielder gave an insight into Emery's meticulous attention to detail, and the manager's drive to ensure Villa are regularly competing at the very highest level.
"Last night, we watched the Newcastle game just to try and get better for ourselves. We watch every game back, that's the way he works, that's the way he operates.
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'POWERED into the net' by Tielemans as Villa get the opener
Video credit: TNT Sports
"After we lost to PSG, I know we played really well, but he was gutted and that shows his mentality. He knows we could've won that game, and he was so angry and disappointed.
"His dream is for us to be at that level and continually competing. He's drilling that into us. He's been a manager in Europe for 17 years, which he keeps reminding us!
"He's so demanding of us, we can't slack off, and we know teams are getting better. Like Fulham today, who have been brilliant all season.
"You can't switch off, but he’s absolutely brilliant, and I love working with him."
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