Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has attributed Alejandro Garnacho’s limited game time to stiff competition for places within the squad.
Wednesday night’s 3-1 win over Coventry City saw significant changes in Villa’s lineup, including the full debut of Ibrahim Mbaye and George Hemmings' sixth consecutive start. Despite seven alterations from the side that lost to Nottingham Forest last weekend, Garnacho remained on the bench.
For the second match in a row, Emery utilised all five substitutions but chose not to introduce the Argentine winger. Instead, Johan Manzambi, Alysson, Nicolas Jackson, and Emi Buendia were brought on during the second half.
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When questioned about Garnacho’s usage, Emery emphasised the need for the player to persist. “Continue working. Work, work, train, work,” he stated.
He added, “When he can get minutes on the pitch, he should try to play well. He’s making progress, but currently we have players ahead of him. George has been performing fantastically, Alysson is adapting well and contributing in ways I appreciate, and Mbaye has also responded positively.”
Emery further explained that the squad aims to promote competition, highlighting that Garnacho is slightly behind due to circumstances during pre-season. “It is important to be patient and allow him the time he needs,” the manager concluded.