‘Emi Martinez branded a narcissist amid Unai Emery contradiction at Aston Villa’
Emi Martinez has been criticised for his continued role as the pantomime villain despite Unai Emery’s praises as Aston Villa prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain.
The Argentine quickly became one of the most important players at Emery’s disposal at Villa Park, alongside the likes of Ollie Watkins, John McGinn and Ezri Konsa over the last few seasons.
With an upcoming clash against PSG, the Villans have an opportunity to make history in the current campaign, and Emery is, understandably, being linked with Man United as a result.
However, the exciting venture to the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, 9 April, has been slightly shrouded by Martinez’s off-pitch antics, appearing in a cap making fun of the France national team.
Emery was forced to address his decision ahead of the European game, stating that the goalkeeper had done better keeping his emotions in check in the same sentence as labelling “mature”.
Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, who rarely holds back when speaking his mind, was not buying into the manager’s apparently contradictory comments and has questioned exactly why the shot-stopper brought the spotlight on himself.
Emi Martinez steals the spotlight ahead of PSG v Aston Villa
Speaking live via talkSPORT (9 April, 12:54pm), Jordan said of the keeper’s latest stunt: “No, I don’t think it’s too far, but it’s unnecessary. It raises questions over his outlook in a conversation that his manager doesn’t need to have, or shouldn’t be having to have.
“If he were mature, people wouldn’t be asking questions about his maturity. Albeit it’s not his first language, he [Emery] is contradicting himself. I don’t know what the purpose is.
“Why does he feel the need to be antagonistic? The necessity behind it… It’s a big game for Aston Villa. It’s just a little bit narcissistic – what’s it about?”
| Aston Villa’s possible journey to the Champions League final | Dates |
| PSG v Aston Villa | 9 April |
| Aston Villa v PSG | 15 April |
| Arsenal/Real Madrid v Aston Villa | 29 April |
| Aston Villa v Arsenal/Real Madrid | 6 May |
Unai Emery to create history with Champions League journey
Football Insider verdict
Emery will not have thanked his goalkeeper after bringing unnecessary pressure on the team, but nonetheless, supporters will still be travelling to Paris with high expectations.
Marcus Rashford, who has shot to fame in the Villa team, has massively impressed, so too has Marco Asensio, who is on loan from PSG this season, with Morgan Rogers tying the attack together.
While Watkins has been an integral part of the squad over the last few seasons, with his abilities in front of goal fading so far this term, he might not even make the starting lineup against PSG.
Emery will need all of his stars firing on all cylinders if the Villans are to bring back a positive result to Villa Park, especially after the French giants were crowned Ligue 1 champions four days ago.
Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola are all extremely dangerous, having brought down Liverpool before, and Martinez will need to be at his very best to deal with them now.