Emery explains why an unfit Moreno started ahead of Chukwueze in loss to Liverpool
Published: May 04, 2022Villarreal were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night after a 3-2 loss to Liverpool at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
The Yellow Submarine defended excellently in the first half of both legs with no goals conceded, only to crumble in the second half in which they shipped five goals.
Unai Emery's gamble to field the unfit Gerard Moreno backfired as the Spain international struggled as a result of his injury and was replaced by Samuel Chukwueze in the 68th minute.
Moreno missed the first leg at Anfield due to a hamstring discomfort and was not in tiptop condition for the visit of Liverpool.
Emery has explained that he had no choice but to field the patched up striker because two Nigerian-born attack-minded players in Samuel Chuwkueze and Arnaut Danjuma did not put pressure on Liverpool central defenders Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté during the first leg at Anfield.
Asked what he told his players at halftime, Emery said to reporters at the post-match press conference : "We played with Gerard Moreno who is very important for the team in many, many ways.
"We could duel with them very close to their defenders, we couldn't do that in the first leg, not Samuel, nor Danjuma. We couldn't win positions with their defence that allowed us to create clearer chances in attack.
"We could do that with Gerard in the first half but he told me at halftime he was feeling pain from his injury again and we knew he was not going to be the same in the second half, but he wanted to play and make a huge effort."
"We could do that with Gerard in the first half but he told me at halftime he was feeling pain from his injury again and we knew he was not going to be the same in the second half, but he wanted to play and make a huge effort."
Igho Kingsley
Photo Credit : liverpoolfc.com
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
Latest News
- Osayi-Samuel advocates for stricter regulation after incident during Trabzonspor v Fenerbahce
- Oliseh draws parallels between Liverpool and NFF managerial hunt; wants either Amuneke or Finidi as Nigeria boss
- Top 10 most valuable players in the world: Osimhen joint seventh along with Arsenal's record signing in history
- 2014 World Cup winner Mertesacker backs Nwaneri to thrive on and off the pitch after going pro at Arsenal
- Quad-national midfielder now eligible to be added to Arsenal's Champions League squad
- West Brom's Super Eagles striker nears return to action after more than three months on the sidelines
- Finidi includes Fenerbahce, Anderlecht, Everton, Bolton, Vitoria legends in dream Super Eagles XI
- Nottingham Forest boss provides update on Awoniyi after striker's withdrawal from Ghana, Mali games
- 'Fantastic couple just like in Nigerian national team' - Ex-Napoli star has his say on Osimhen v Lookman duel
- Confirmed: Premier League's youngest debutant signs professional contract with Arsenal
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football