Jacob Ramsey has now explained why Aston Villa have found it ‘difficult at times’ to get up to speed with Unai Emery’s tactics. But the midfielder believes they are more comfortable.
Aston Villa appointed Emery to the helm from November 1 after sacking Steven Gerrard in October. The 51-year-old has since overseen 15 games across all competitions and claimed seven wins plus two draws. The Villans have also scored 24 times to 25 goals conceded.
Emery has taken some big names since taking over in Birmingham, as well. His claret-and-blue side beat Manchester United 3-1 at Villa Park in the Basque tactician’s debut game in charge. They also later edged Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in north London on New Year’s Day.
But February saw Aston Villa endure their worst run of results under Emery yet. Leicester, Manchester City and Arsenal dealt the Villans three-straight defeats for the first time. But they responded by beating Everton and Crystal Palace before a draw at West Ham United.
Aston Villa frustrated Emery at West Ham having occasionally rushed their actions when in possession. The former Gunners boss has strived to introduce a slow and more structured approach to his tactics. But he is still striving to fine-tune its effectiveness with their team.
Jacob Ramsey opens up on Aston Villa’s challenges with Unai Emery’s tactics
Aston Villa midfielder Ramsey has now explained that Emery’s favoured tactics have taken some getting used to for their players. But the 21-year-old is confident that the Villans are now getting to grips with his plans. Even if they can go against what fans at Villa Park want.
“It’s the way the boss wants to play,” Ramsey said, via Birmingham Live. “Sometimes, at home especially, the supporters want us to attack the opposition as soon as possible.
“But the boss has been clear, right from when he came in, that he wants us to take time on the ball. Emi [Martinez] doesn’t rush to play it out to the centre-backs. It has taken time to get used to but we’ve got to.
“It’s been difficult at times. I’ve played on the left, on the right. It’s taken a while but I think with each game everyone is getting that bit more comfortable and, with 12 games left, hopefully we can keep pushing up the table.”
Ramsey has been a vital part of Emery’s visions for Aston Villa having started in nine of 10 available Premier League matches. He also scored and assisted in their 3-1 win at home to Manchester United in November. But a hamstring injury also kept him from three fixtures.
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