Football
Jonathan Johnson, PSG correspondent 7y

Unai Emery was aware of PSG's 'very difficult' critics ahead of move

Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery has admitted he was warned about the "very difficult" Parisian press when he moved to France and that he "protects himself" by meticulously analysing every negative performance.

The Spaniard, who won the Europa League three consecutive times with former club Sevilla, has come in for fierce criticism already this season after the French champions lost away at AS Monaco and then Toulouse.

Emery, 44, revealed in an interview with Le Parisien that he was warned about the "very difficult" Paris-based press by "a player" before he started the job.

"Just the other day, a Spanish member of my staff recalled Aime Jacquet leaving the national team because he did not appreciate the treatment he received from the media," Emery added. "He was a great coach and French too.

"It is like that and it is the same in Spain. To protect myself, I seek refuge in my work. After a defeat, I will review the match four to 10 times to look for ways to improve."

Emery was also quizzed on PSG's transfer plans ahead of January and the Basque tactician answered that everything "might have changed completely in a few months' time" and that "we will consider moves when the window arrives."

"Why ask about the transfer window?" Emery responded. "A few weeks ago, the leading question was: Is [Edinson] Cavani a prolific enough goal scorer for the team? The match after that was asked, he scored four goals with four chances.

"I can simply say I have confidence in my squad. Who knows, perhaps it is the coach who will be changed! It is possible."

Emery took the opportunity to praise some of the elder statesmen in his squad, citing Maxwell and Thiago Motta as "examples."

"I learn a lot from them because they are players who have won so much during their careers," the former Valencia and Spartak Moscow coach admitted. "They listen to you with respect and give you confidence."

During his answer about his current players, Emery also reflected on his immediate goal to provide the France national team with more than just Blaise Matuidi.

"When I arrived in Paris, there was only one PSG player in the France squad, Matuidi," Emery recalled. "I said: 'How can the best team in Ligue 1 only boast one France international?' Today, there are three."

Emery also admitted "we want to win the Champions League" before stressing the importance of "love, passion and desire" in creating the "team mentality" needed to succeed in European competition.

"I know which players are receptive to me and which ones do not listen to me," Emery said. "In Seville, I convinced the players to trust me and that is how we won the Europa League three times.

"The players listen when you have earned their respect though. We are not there yet but we are working and gaining results."

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