Emery on replacing Carlos, new signing Garcia and West Ham

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Sunday’s Premier League game against West Ham at Villa Park (kick-off 16:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Emery was asked if he expects any more incomings or outgoings before the January transfer window closes: “We are open to try to improve the squad until the last moment and we are open as well in case someone is leaving. Of course, Diego Carlos left last week and we have to replace him. We are focusing with the sporting director and the club on which players could potentially replace Diego Carlos.”

• On new signing Andres Garcia: “He is a right full-back, potential, young player. He was progressing so quickly, and I knew him before. I know how he was doing, as a person as well. We decided to sign him because we were thinking it was a good opportunity, just in this moment – a really good opportunity. He is progressing so quick in his career.”

• Emery gave his thoughts on Villa’s ambitions: “Of course, for the history of Aston Villa, to try to be a contender, building the team, getting the structure stronger, trying to be contenders in the future for trophies as well, is another objective we have to add. To play in Europe was another objective.”

• He continued: “We started two years ago, and we are in this process we planned, but the process is through the players, through the mentality as a team. We can be demanding, setting very ambitious objectives. We have a lot of players with a very good mentality – and a lot of players, they have improved a lot in having the right mentality we want, but there’s still work to do.”

• On facing West Ham: “Very important, those three points on Sunday against West Ham. Very difficult, because all matches in the Premier League are very difficult. Of course, West Ham, they are not being consistent, but they have a new coach now. Tactically, they are going to improve, playing matches, and they have very good players as well. Maybe they have some important players injured but, for us, Sunday is very important.”

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