Emery: Brentford a huge challenge after poor home form

Unai Emery has warned that Saturday's Premier League home fixture against Brentford represents a major test for Aston Villa, as the club returns from the international break.

Villa host Brentford at Villa Park on Saturday (kick-off 3pm), and Emery used his pre-match press conference at Bodymoor Heath to address both opponents and squad development.

"They are always close to getting Europe, and now this year, especially this year, they are even better," Emery said of Brentford. "They started fantastic, playing very well. This season they started better than us, and tomorrow is for us a huge challenge."

Emery pointed to a 2-3 home defeat to Brentford in a previous season — Villa led 2-0 before conceding three in 15 minutes — as evidence of the respect he holds for the club. "I have massive respect, and of course I respect how they are working as a club and as well, the coaches, the players."

The Villa manager also noted concern over his side's home performances, singling out the loss to Nottingham Forest as a low point before the break, while praising away results against Club Brugge, Coventry and Tottenham.

On Alejandro Garnacho, Emery confirmed the winger is progressing after scoring in friendlies against Southampton and in Seville during the break. "He's still being young, and we joined him with us to try to exploit his qualities, but firstly is to prepare himself, his body, his feet, and he's doing it."

Regarding Leon Goretzka, Emery said the experienced midfielder has taken "one step forward" in the last 10 days of training but stopped short of confirming availability for Saturday. "Hopefully, he will join us consistently and be available to play for the next days or weeks."

Emery also highlighted the leadership development needed within the squad, naming John McGinn, Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres, Matty Cash, Boubacar Kamara and young forward Johan Manzambi as players who must step up.