Emery Hints Martinez to Continue on the Bench for Villa Against Wolves

Emery Hints Martinez to Continue on the Bench for Villa Against Wolves

Elijah Odetokun
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:21 PM
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  • Aston Villa welcomed their World Cup winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez to the bench
  • Robin Olsen deputised in goal against Tottenham and kept a clean sheet during the tie
  • The decision is now set to continue after coach Unai Emery said Olson earned his place

Argentina World Cup winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez returned to his Premier League club Aston Villa after an extended World Cup break, but could only make the bench against Tottenham Hotspur.

Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen continued to deputise in goal for Villa, as head coach Unai Emery insists Martinez needs more time to adapt to the team after a successful month away in Qatar.

Unai Emery, Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa, Argentina, Wolves, Premier League.
Unai Emery hints that Emi Martinez will start on the bench again for Villa against Wolves. Photos by Neville Williams/Eddie Keogh.
Source: Getty Images

The Lions' next opponent in the league is relegation struggler Wolverhampton, coached by a familiar foe to Emery in Julien Lopetegui.

The Villa boss has hinted that Martinez could be on the bench once again for this game.

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More bench time for Martinez

Dibu, as he is referred to as by his Argentina national teammates, is confirmed to be the club's first-choice goalkeeper by the head coach, but will have to settle for a place on the bench now, as reported by Sporting News.

Speaking after the 2-0 win over Tottenham, as quoted by Express and Star, Emery hinted Martinez could start again on the bench for the visit by Wolves.

“Our plan was always to give Emi a rest after the World Cup. Emi is going to train with us tomorrow and on Tuesday, and will be closer to playing with us. But after today, we can have belief in Robin Olsen. Emi is very important. He is the No.1.” he said.

As reported by Birmingham Live, the former Villarreal boss claimed having the Argentine goalkeeper start on the bench against Spurs was planned, despite speculation it had to do with Dibu's future at the club.

Emery exposes Spurs' weakness

Even though Martinez was only a spectator as Villa dispatched Spurs, it was the team's defensive discipline that won the game against Antonio Conte's men.

As earlier revealed by Sports Brief, Emery highlighted good defensive structure as a means of punishing the North London club and not allowing their forwards get into the game.

Olsen also provided important stops to keep Villa in the game, a merit that could earn him continued presence in goal.

Authors
Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.
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Unai Emery