Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has expressed his admiration for Southampton boss Russell Martin.
The Saints travel to Villa Park on Saturday aiming to upset the hosts and move off the bottom of the table.
It won’t be easy for the South Coast side, who were thrashed 5-1 by Chelsea in midweek.
But it’s not impossible and Emery is very wary of the brilliance the man in the opposite dugout can provide.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Emery said: “I really appreciate some teams, some young managers, how they are brave, how they play, how they show different tactics.
“One of them is Russell Martin.
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“For us, it’s a challenge, how can we compete with this team, pretty much at the start, knowing their ability to keep possession is one of the best in the Premier League.
“I know from my experiences, if we are not organized in our press, we can struggle, playing against a team like Southampton.”
Villa are missing some key players ahead of the clash but Emery hopes they will return soon to boost their fortunes.
He added: “Today I don’t know exactly which players are available tomorrow.
“Some are doubts, yesterday some were in pain and some are tired. We will train now in the afternoon. Tomorrow morning only then will it be clear who will start the match.
“Jacob Ramsey still has weeks to go, he is progressing well. (Amadou) Onana is close to coming back, maybe today he can do something with us.
“For tomorrow, I don’t know when he will be with us. Maybe Tuesday will be easier.”
