Aston Villa news as Youri Tielemans talks about his start to life at Villa Park and what Unai Emery has told him about his lack of game time
Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans is ready to take his opportunity once it arrives, after talking to Unai Emery about why he has not been starting games.
After joining on a free transfer following his exit from Leicester City early in the summer, Tielemans has just started one game – in the Europa Conference League against Hibernian. That has led to an understandable frustration from the Belgian midfielder, who wants to break into the starting XI.
Tielemans has spoken about his situation while on international duty with Belgium, and revealed his measured frustration at the lack of game time. He also explained what Unai Emery has told him about the reasons why, and what he will do to get into the team.
“The situation is not pleasant,” Tielemans said, per DH (translated from Belgian via Sport Witness). “I told the manager that I came to Villa to play. He understands me, but at the moment, he prefers to play with the two midfielders from last season. He told me that soon, there will be a succession of games and I’ll get more playing time.
“I know that answer doesn’t help me move forward, but what should I do? Whenever I have an opportunity, I want to take it. So far, I have started once, in the Conference League.”
Per Niewsblad, again translated from Belgian, Tielemans also said: “I may not start at Aston Villa, but I have attended every training session so far and played in every match. I have spoken to the manager of Aston Villa about the fact that I am not playing.
“He now chooses other players but it is up to me to do my best. He said there would still be opportunities to play. That explanation doesn’t help me much, but I hope I can show myself a little more in the coming weeks.”