ECL: Unai Emery explains why Aston lost 4-2 to Olympiakos

Aston Villa manager, Unai Emery, has given reason his team were beaten 4-2 against Olympiakos in the first leg of their Europa Conference League, ECL, semi-final on Thursday .

Ayoub El Kaabi’s hat-trick ensured Olympiakos stunned Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby did score for Emery’s side during the encounter.

Speaking after the game, Emery said Aston Villa didn’t play well against the visitors, adding that they didn’t have control of the game.

“We are frustrated and disappointed, we didn’t play well,” Emery said at his post-match interview.

“This is the summary I can do at the beginning. We didn’t have control of the game. We were playing so fast.

“In a lot of moments we needed to stop them getting good positions and get into their box with more passes than one, two or three. And they were attacking, playing so open. Our plan was completely different.

“Congratulations, they deserve to win the first leg. We will try to come back but, of course, they are now favourites. We will play there and try to show something different to tonight.”

The return leg will take place next week.