At 16:30 UTC (CEST) on September 6, Aston Villa will play away against Hull City in the third round of the Premier League. Villa manager Unai Emery attended the pre-match press conference on Friday to discuss major squad changes during the summer transfer window and Villa's rebuilding plans.

On Villa's major personnel changes

Over these four years, this has been part of our plan. We anticipated personnel changes like those this summer, which have been more frequent than in previous years. Many players were involved in transfers, and we need to adapt to the new arrivals as quickly as possible, helping them integrate and develop early.

We have many young players with great potential; some can demonstrate their abilities quickly, while others may need more time. We remain positive and enthusiastic, aiming to maintain our current level in the Premier League, which is our primary goal. We must strive for stability while looking forward to the upcoming competitions, especially the Champions League.

On the urgency of winning

We are eager to win and want to rebuild a strong team as much as possible—from the overall structure to individual contributions—establishing a solid foundation, including the psychological aspect of becoming winners and remaining highly competitive. At the same time, we are aware of how long it will take to rebuild such a team. Every game provides us with valuable information, and the fans must also be equally enthusiastic and supportive of our efforts.

The club is advancing various construction projects at Villa Park to gain greater fan support. We are participating as much as possible and striving to continuously improve. But this requires effort. Now is not the time to talk too much; the most important thing is to get to work, focus on each game, and understand their importance.

Especially tomorrow's match against Hull City—they currently lead the table with six points, while we are second to last with zero points from two matches. This is a huge challenge for us, but we also have respect for them. Last season we had the opportunity to contend for the top positions; however, every year is a new chapter. For us, maintaining the level we have shown is a new challenge.

Of course, this is my goal, the club's goal, and the players' goal. Now that the transfer window has closed and the squad is finalized, the players must train hard every day. We must set high standards, and they must understand this and embrace the philosophy we convey daily.

About this round's opponent, Hull City

They are very motivated and excited to return to the Premier League after many years away. For them, this is undoubtedly an exciting opportunity. Their strong start to the season—beating Man United at home and Coventry away—has given them an optimistic mindset and confidence. Tomorrow we will analyze them and show them respect; we have great respect for every team in the Premier League.

Understanding every opponent and the importance of each game means facing them with due respect. We are a team that, even when winning and achieving success, prioritizes respecting every opponent. We must remain focused and concentrated, setting high standards for ourselves to perform at our best both collectively and individually.

The only way to beat teams like Hull City is to respect the opponent and perform at our best in all aspects—preparation, individual skill, attitude, and physical confrontation—all of which require extremely high standards.

On team spirit and season goals

We have grown with our players to reach this point. Now we are starting a new phase because we have many new players, young prospects, and talented additions to the squad. We must re-establish team spirit and a winning mentality.

Our experienced players, those who have been with us for one, two, three, or even four years, already understand this spirit. They must now take responsibility and guide the new young players in the right direction.

As a coach, I convey important information every day, especially during matches. We crave competition, and players must understand how crucial this mindset is. They must maintain a competitive edge daily, both individually and collectively, set high standards for themselves, and consistently maintain professionalism in training, concentration, and recovery.

Everyone must strive for improvement—individuals pursue their personal goals while the team works toward collective objectives and the club's broader ambitions. We must maintain the level we have achieved in recent years, which means targeting a top-six or top-seven finish, even though we are not among the title favorites. In the Champions League, we must show the same mentality we displayed two years ago.

In European competitions, we have reached the appropriate level—reaching the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League, winning the Europa League, and reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League are all results of our hard work.

When will 17-year-old Mateo Dordevic return?

Hopefully not too long, but he will need at least another two weeks of recovery.

When can new summer signing Manzambi play?

Not yet. He is training with the team, and his physical condition is gradually improving. He feels good but still needs a few more days. I'm unsure whether he will be available for next Tuesday's Champions League match or the following match against Nottingham Forest.

About other players

No bad news. I believe these players are ready, and some of the players signed last week will gradually improve and better understand our style of play. Hopefully tomorrow we can make progress, perform better, be more aggressive in challenges, and hopefully earn some points.

On Dordevic, Harwood-Bellis, and Modou Kaba Cisse not being included in the Champions League squad

These were difficult decisions, both for us and for the players. Our decision-making was based on analyzing the team's expected performance through January next year, when we will play eight Champions League matches. Due to injury, Cisse cannot play, and Dordevic will need at least another two weeks of recovery.

Harwood-Bellis was our most recent signing. We can form a strong defensive line with Bogaarde and even bring in Camara. We conducted a thorough analysis. Harwood-Bellis will be here for a long time and will have opportunities to play in European competitions, perhaps in January or in the coming years. Dordevic is only 17 years old, very young, and he will certainly have more opportunities to play in European competitions this season and beyond.

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