Unai Emery says Aston Villa will continue building from the back after their 3-0 defeat against Barcelona. Bongda24h relays his post-match comments, including his refusal to blame Joao Gomes individually for the early opening goal.
An error within the team approach
Gomes struggled under Pedri's pressure after receiving from Zion Suzuki, allowing Lamine Yamal to score in the seventh minute. Emery acknowledged the player's uncertainty but treated the incident within Villa's established method.
He said the team need more experience against high-intensity pressure. In his assessment, similar mistakes have occurred during more than four years working together, and the response is to improve rather than abandon the principle.
Villa entered the match with nine points from three Champions League wins. Raphinha's two second-half goals ended that sequence, while the visitors failed to convert their own opportunities.
Higher standards in key moments
Emery viewed the game as information about the level Villa want to reach. He asked players to demand more from themselves, particularly when finishing chances against strong opposition.
John McGinn told TNT Sports, in comments carried by Bongda24h, that Barcelona made accurate decisions at decisive moments. He also identified the danger of counter-attacks after Villa lost possession, with opponents positioned higher up the pitch.
McGinn regards the experience as useful for subsequent matches. The next fixture mentioned by the source is a Premier League trip to Manchester United at Old Trafford, with work ahead on playing under pressure and converting opportunities.