Emery reveals Arsenal’s main motivation ahead of Europa League final

Dan Butterfield
Unai Emery Arsenal

Unai Emery insists his Arsenal side remain focused on the main prize ahead of their Europa League final against Chelsea in Baku.

The Premier League rivals meet in Azerbaijan on Wednesday night.

The Gunners boss said: “We are focused on our final. We have a big challenge tomorrow.

“We have two targets (including Champions League qualification) but for now we’re focused on winning a trophy.

“We have the opportunity to achieve a title.”

He added: “I want to do something important here. I think we have a lot of very good players. It’s a very good moment for football in the world.

Emery would not be drawn into naming his team for Thursday’s game.

When asked if Petr Cech would feature in his starting line-up, the 47-year-old replied: “I respect him a lot. His career is amazing. First, like a person. Second, like a professional goalkeeper. I think he deserves the trust in him.

“I want to do something important with him in his last moment in his career.”

Granit Xhaka; Petr Cech TEAMtalk

The Arsenal boss added: “For us the first (aim) is this title, after that is the Champions League spot.

“We have battled our way here and want to show what we can do.

“Chelsea won this competition with Rafa Benitez without the possibility of a Champions League place.

“The title was the number-one objective as it is now.

“Tomorrow there will be lots of support in England, across the world and also here in this amazing stadium – Arsenal and Chelsea are great teams, very well supported. We’re playing for our supporters whether they’re here or not.”