Unai Emery has a simple message for any international managers who want to contact his players: Don’t.
Aston Villa’s boss is determined to keep his squad’s focus on the job in hand at Villa Park. And he’s outlawing any of them from speaking to Villa’s squad out of the international windows.
A two-week break follows this weekend’s round of fixtures and Emery says he will respect that fortnight while they are away with their countries.
He said: “I don’t like when we are here, some coaches are calling our players. I don’t like it. I’ve told the players that I don’t want national team coaches calling them here. You have to be focused here. When we have finished here at 4pm on Sunday. I’m going to follow how you do. But I’m going to respect that process when you are there.
“When they are with their national teams, I don’t speak to them. I don’t want to disturb them. It’s not my time.”
Emery remains miffed that Morgan Rogers has been called up again for England’s Under-21 side.
He voiced his objection last month, he said: “My opinion hasn’t changed. He’s 22 years old. He can play for the Under-21s. It’s not his place.
“Now, he’s playing at a level to be an option for the seniors. Not for the Under-21s. Clearly, clearly - 100 per cent. I have to respect it. But I don’t agree.”
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