Emery leaps to Jadon Sancho’s defence after nightmare Sunderland cameo

During the time he was on the pitch, Sancho only completed 33% of the passes he attempted, while failing to make a tackle or win any duel.

Yet Emery stuck with the England international, even after his errors had nearly proven disastrous.

Emery defends Sancho

Asked about Sancho following the game, Emery interrupted a reporter mid-sentence, not allowing them to finish.

The Spanish coach said, “It is not his mistake. The mistake is how we did this action. If we did more passes, we could have avoided it.”

“The idea in 90 minutes was through good positioning and keeping possession, trying to be patient. When we conceded one goal, we decided to go quickly. I am never punishing it.”

Emery added, “After the ball we lost, the players didn’t respond well to protect the goals. We are going to analyse and find solutions for mistakes.”

“I am always taking responsibility for the mistakes, not the players.”

Sancho is set to leave United at the end of the season, once his contract expires. Villa are said to be open to keeping him. A return to Borussia Dortmund has also been mooted.

Featured image Eddie Keogh via Getty Images

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