Unai Emery right to call us “lazy” says Ezri Konsa | OneFootball

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has admitted that Unai Emery was right to criticise his players after their sluggish 1-1 draw at 10-man Sunderland, describing the Spaniard’s assessment as “a fair comment.”

Emery, speaking after Wilson Isidor’s late equaliser cancelled out Matty Cash’s opener, accused his side of being “lazy in defence,” a verdict Konsa agreed with in an interview reported by BBC Sport. “Here we pride ourselves on playing a high line, something the boss has instilled since he first came,” Konsa said. “We didn’t quite get it right. Things have not been good for us so far this season, but there are always blips. Hopefully, we can move on.”

Villa’s early struggles are evident. Emery’s team sit 18th in the Premier League, winless after five matches, out of the Carabao Cup, and with just one league goal to their name. While Emery admitted to being angry in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s draw, he later softened his tone, insisting his role is to demand higher standards and ensure his side feel stronger in adversity.

Konsa, however, dismissed suggestions that Villa are in crisis. “We haven’t started the season well. We know that. But I’m sure it’s going to go well soon. It shows how far we’ve come in three years that people are even talking about crisis meetings.” He credited captain John McGinn for keeping morale steady in the dressing room, saying his leadership was vital during this period.

Off the pitch, Villa are also navigating change following the departure of president of football operations Monchi, who left this week after requesting a break. Former Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe has been swiftly appointed as his replacement. Emery described the transition as “normal,” adding that he has “a lot of confidence” in Olabe, a long-time colleague.

Villa will hope to channel Emery’s demands for intensity when they return to action against Bologna in Thursday’s Europa League fixture at Villa Park.

GFN | Finn Entwistle