Motta unsurprised by Emery’s impact at Aston Villa

Juventus coach Thiago Motta is not surprised that Unai Emery has achieved success at Aston Villa.

Motta's Juve side will take on Villa in the Champions League at Villa Park on Wednesday.

Villa won their first three games in the competition, but a defeat against Club Brugge last time saw them lose first place.

They have also had a stuttering start to the Premier League campaign, but considering Villa were candidates for a relegation battle when Emery took charge just over two years ago, the transformation into one of Europe's best sides has been remarkable.

However, Motta is not shocked.

“Like all coaches I've had, I've tried to improve and learn,” said Motta, who worked under Emery at Paris Saint-Germain.

“Emery is a coach who has been at a high level for a long time. He is once again showing his worth at Aston Villa and doing so in a very difficult competition.”

“That is also why we will go into the match with great humility and determined to deliver a great performance.”

Getting our energy up before we go to England pic.twitter.com/iuTbwEwQFa

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This will be the third time Villa and Juventus have faced each other in the European Cup/Champions League, following two meetings in the quarter-finals in 1982/83.

Juventus won 5–2 on aggregate with wins in both legs, with the Italian side finishing second that season.

The Bianconeri start Wednesday undefeated in Serie A, after drawing 0-0 against Milan last weekend.

“Tomorrow we face a great team and we will take the field determined to do our job,” Motta said.

“We played well against Milan and controlled the game without giving them the chance to counter-attack.

“Tomorrow we will play very well at half-time against another team, so we cannot leave any space for their attacking midfielders. We have to work together in defense and attack.”

Dusan Vlahovic has been involved in five goals in his six Champions League away games for Juve (four goals, one assist), including at least one in his last three. However, the striker is one of many Bianconeri players who will be absent due to injury.

“Injuries don't just happen to us and they don't happen by chance,” Motta said.

“At this point it would not be constructive to find out the reason behind it. We have to deal with the situation by giving that little bit more.”