Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has revealed he was furious after Unai Emery benched him in both of his Champions League games against Paris Saint-Germain, handing Marcus Rashford the starting line-up.
After the 4-1 demolition of Newcastle, Watkins revealed he had told the Spaniard he was “angry” at being benched for the Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain.
The England striker played less than 20 minutes in both games against the French giants as Villa were eliminated 5-4 on aggregate, with Emery starting in his place, with on-loan Manchester United striker Rashford.
Watkins responded with a red-hot performance as Villa thrashed Newcastle 4-1 in the Premier League. Completing a goal and an assist that put the Villans back in contention for next season’s Champions League.
For the 29-year-old, it was reaffirmation of his value at a time when Villa consider whether to sign Rashford on หากคุณสนใจเล่นพนันออนไลน์ที่ดีที่สุด สามารถสมัครสมาชิก UFABET ได้ที่นี่ พร้อมรับโปรโมชั่นพิเศษสำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ a permanent basis.
“I was angry I didn’t play,” Watkins told Ufabet Sports when asked about being drop for the PSG game.
“I informed Emery about it, he’s the manager. Ultimately, I respect his decision. But I am not a player who enjoys being on the bench. “
It’s something I have never experienced before and to miss the biggest stage. You always want to play, especially in the Champions League. I and others are disappointed we weren’t starting but, as I said, it’s the manager’s decision. “
We beat them, but of course, not in both games. The team played very well but I wanted to play more. I want to start in the important games because I was a big part of bringing the team to this point.”
Meanwhile, Emery praised his players’ attitude, saying after the Newcastle game: “Watkins was outstanding. In the PSG game, he played 20 minutes and didn’t get the chances he had today to help us. “
He always gives his all to give his best. This is the competition we want to play in, at the level we showed today.”