Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez never seems busy enough to deny an interview, and this week he had another conversation with the Argentine media.
The 31-year-old was interviewed by DAZN’s FeverPitchLive, and even though there were again many questions about the World Cup, this time he had something interesting to say about his time in the Premier League as well.
With Aston Villa having a great season under Unai Emery, Martinez was asked about their impressive form and the different playing style they had to adapt to.
The goalkeeper admitted that he wasn’t very used to moving on the pitch like he’s been recently doing, and claimed he’s in need of new physical training for that.
“I told Unai Emery that I need to practise my sprints a bit more (laughs). Because I’m sprinting more forwards and backwards than I have in my whole life,” Martinez told DAZN.
“In Argentina we played in a low block, since I was at Aston Villa we have played in a low block…. But the truth is that I feel comfortable, being connected with the defence. Sometimes you take a lot of risks, but whoever doesn’t take risks doesn’t win.”
Asked to define Unai Emery in one word, Martinez went for the manager’s strongest characteristic.
“I would say he is very intense. Intense in training, intense in meetings, intense during the whole match day, intense when he talks…. He doesn’t let you relax.”
Following the disappointing 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on the Boxing Day, Aston Villa now prepare to play Burnley on Saturday afternoon in their last game of the year. Depending on how the fixture goes, they may have the chance to get close to the top of the table again.
