Emi Martinez shares Aston Villa issue that has left him deeply frustrated

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·10 de enero de 2025

Emi Martinez shares Aston Villa issue that has left him deeply frustrated

Emiliano Martinez has expressed deep concerns about his team's defensive performance this season. The World Cup-winning shot-stopper highlighted the critical need to improve their defensive record while emphasising his strong desire to secure FA Cup glory, which would mark the club's first major trophy in decades.

Defensive woes taking a toll

The team's struggles to maintain defensive solidity have become a significant issue for Martinez. Villa's record shows just two clean sheets in their home fixtures this season, achieved against Manchester United and Southampton. Their away form presents an even bleaker picture, with only one clean sheet in their previous 16 league matches, a 2-0 victory over Arsenal in April.

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The statistics paint a worrying picture, with Villa conceding 32 goals in 20 matches - the highest among teams in the Premier League's top half. Even more concerning, four teams below them in the standings have better defensive records. Martinez admitted,

"We are struggling to keep clean sheets, and that's hurting me a lot because I demand a lot of myself. Everyone is waiting for you to make a mistake when you're a top goalkeeper."

The Argentine keeper has been instrumental in Villa's remarkable journey since Unai Emery took charge in November 2023. The club climbed from 17th position to secure Champions League qualification with a fourth-place finish last season, their first in over a decade.

Dreams of silverware

Martinez's ambition extends beyond league success, with a strong focus on ending Villa's trophy drought. The club's last major honour was the 1996 League Cup, while their most recent FA Cup triumph dates back to 1957. The Argentine stated,

"I want a cup run. I was very frustrated to be knocked out by Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup. The fans deserve to be at Wembley at the end of the season. It's something that has been missing for the club for many years."

His passion for bringing success to Villa Park remains evident as he stated, "I know the feeling it brings for myself and the fans. I want cups, and I want success for the club." Despite not matching last season's heights, Villa maintains their competitive edge, sitting just four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. Martinez believes the team is adapting well to recent squad changes, including key player departures and new arrivals.

Balancing team and personal ambitions

Martinez's personal achievements, including consecutive Yashin Trophies and The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper awards, fuel his drive for further success. "To win [those awards] for the third time, we need to win the Champions League or cups with Villa," he explained. "That's my drive and my aim."

Since joining Villa in 2020, Martinez has achieved remarkable international success with Argentina, winning the World Cup and two Copa America titles, along with multiple Golden Glove awards. Reflecting on his Villa journey, he noted,

"When I came here, the team had finished 17th the season before. Since then, we've been 11th, seventh, and then fourth. You can see the progress of this club. The owners and the manager are building something special here, and it's a great time to be part of Aston Villa."

His belief that "anything is possible in football" remains strong as Villa continues their Premier League campaign and pursues FA Cup glory, aiming to end their prolonged wait for a major trophy.