FOOTBALL-‘He knew I had a lot more to give, says Bailey

LONDON, CMC – In-form Reggae Boy winger Leon Bailey has credited manager Unai Emery with the turnaround in his fortunes at Aston Villa this season.

The 26-year-old struggled in his first two seasons at Villa Park following his 25 million pounds sterling move from Bayer Leverkusen three years ago but has found his touch this season, already with ten goals in all competitions.

Emery arrived at Villa 17 months ago, replacing Steven Gerrard, who was sacked after only 11 months in charge.

“You can see he has improved every single player at the club. Not just the club but the staff. Everything around this club, he has improved,” Bailey said.

“He knew I had much more to give when I came in. At the beginning of the season we did have a discussion.

“He said to me: ‘Listen, Leon, I know you have a lot more to give, and I want you to be more consistent with your game.’”

Under Emery, who in the past has managed the likes of Sevilla, Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal, Villa finished seventh last season to clinch a place in the Europa Conference League.

And the West Midlands club has pushed on this season, currently lying in the Champions League positions in fourth on 49 points – eight points off leaders Liverpool.

Villa has also sparkled in Europe, dominating the Conference League to cruise into the last 16, with Bailey scoring three times in the competition.

“We have robust discussions. It is always positive,” he pointed out.

“I have to be professional, and I am a mature enough person to understand when somebody is trying to help you and when someone is trying to be harsh.

“I have never got that feeling from him. It has always been trying to lift my spirits and raise my confidence. He’s done that.

“Competing next season in the Champions League would be amazing. That is the goal, the aim.”