Arsenal boss Unai Emery says he understands recent criticism that is being directed towards him.
The Gunners suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Monday, which was their 10th loss in 24 Premier League away games under Emery.
A section of Arsenal fans appear to have turned on the Spaniard, who reportedly has a clause in his three-year contract which can allow the club to sack him at the end of the current season.
Ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League clash with Vitoria, Emery said: “In my career it is normal to have, in difficult moments, the criticism of my work, my job and the players.
“We are in one point of view. The supporters point of view and their opinion, we need to accept that.
“In the Europa League we have won two matches with very good results.
“We lost a very big opportunity on Monday to be third in the table, we are now fifth but have another chance [against Crystal Palace] on Sunday.”
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Emery also discussed other topics in his pre-match press conference, and you can read the best bits below…
On differences between his team and Arsene Wenger’s
“Our strategy is – when I was watching in my office – we changed 10 players, 40 per cent more or less.
“We are using new players, above all also some young players to give them chances more quickly.
“The most important is the club and team. Our objective is clear on where we want to get. I am very confident in the players, in our job, in our work, in the club’s strategy and in our way.”
On his defensive options with Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney yet to appear in the Premier League this season
“We are improving defensively. We’re receiving less goals.
“I don’t want to achieve the best defensive solution with one group of players – it’s for all the players.
“We want to be an offensive team. Our mentality is to be offensive. I am going to get that balance.”
On rotating his squad against Vitoria
“Each match is important to use different players. Tomorrow for the players, the team and me, this game is going to be important for us.
“We need a lot of players and to use different players to achieve the best performance.
“We can make some changes for the Premier League and Europa League.”
On his side’s mentality following Monday’s defeat to Sheffield United
“I remember last year at Wolverhampton a very similar system – 5-3-2 – they can win the match. We lost 3-0 at Wolverhampton.
“On Monday, the penalty, if we scored one goal maybe the result is different.
“We had chances but we didn’t do it. Our response could be better, but [there is a] good attitude, good mentality.”
