Unai Emery defends Emiliano Martinez ahead of Aston Villa vs PSG Champions League clash

Emery praises Martinez's maturity and focus despite World Cup-related controversy in Paris.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery (right) holds onto goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as tensions rise between players at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on December 17, 2023. Photo by Jonathan Brady/PA Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Unai Emery defends Emiliano Martinez ahead of Aston Villa vs PSG Champions League clash, describing the goalkeeper as a more mature and focused professional, despite a wave of controversy surrounding his recent actions in Paris. The tension arises just before Villa's high-stakes quarter-final first-leg tie with French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday, April 10.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Emery spoke at length about Martinez’s evolution as a player and person. The Argentine shot-stopper has come under scrutiny from French media and PSG supporters due to his perceived provocative behavior, particularly a cap he wore upon arrival in Paris. The cap bore images referencing Argentina's triumph over France in the 2022 World Cup final.

But Emery stood firmly behind his player.

“He is a mature person. He is responsible. He is getting better at controlling his emotions. I also worked with him at Arsenal, before I came here, at Aston Villa,” Emery said, as quoted by AFP.

The Aston Villa manager continued, noting the immense progress Martinez has made since joining the club.

“I think compared to when he arrived at Aston Villa five years ago and now, he is a different Emiliano. I think he is more mature. He is a better player, a better goalkeeper, and now my conversation with him is always the same. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he got that award here in Paris.”

Martinez’s World Cup shadow follows him to Paris

The controversy was reignited when Martinez was seen wearing a cap that symbolically combined the French national emblem—a rooster—with the Argentina crest and stars representing trophies. The hat stirred emotions among local fans, many of whom still feel raw about France’s defeat to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final.

That final, which ended 3-3 after extra time, saw Martinez play a pivotal role in the penalty shootout. His save against Kingsley Coman was decisive. But it wasn't just his on-field performance that drew attention—it was his antics. Martinez's psychological tactics, including gesturing and verbal gamesmanship, frustrated the French players and supporters.

He later deepened the wound when, during the post-World Cup celebrations in Buenos Aires, he was pictured carrying a doll with Kylian Mbappé’s face taped to it—a moment that sparked criticism across French media outlets.

Despite the distractions, Emery is urging Martinez and the team to stay concentrated on the football itself. The coach stressed that Villa are not coming to Paris for theatrics—they are here for victory.

"Now focus on football, focus on the individual challenges you have and try to overcome them," Emery said.

Unai Emery, who has extensive Champions League experience from his time with Sevilla, PSG, Arsenal, and now Aston Villa, is approaching the match with seriousness and poise. For him, the clash is not about old controversies but about testing his squad’s character against one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

And for Martinez, the chance to return to Paris with something to prove goes beyond personal narrative—he's here to help Villa reach new heights in European football.

Aston Villa’s journey to the quarter-finals

Aston Villa’s journey through the Champions League this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Under Emery’s guidance, the club has transformed into a defensively solid and tactically flexible unit. Martinez, with his sharp reflexes and commanding presence, has been crucial in Villa’s rise on the continental stage.

Villa’s progress to the quarter-finals marks their deepest run in European competition in decades. It’s a milestone that has reignited hope among fans and drawn attention from pundits across Europe.

Now, facing PSG at the Parc des Princes, they stand at a pivotal point. Victory—or even a draw—could set them up well for the second leg at Villa Park, where home support and atmosphere will be heavily in their favor.

On the PSG side, emotions are already running high. Kylian Mbappé, whose own future remains uncertain, is expected to lead the attack. The memory of the 2022 World Cup final still lingers for many of his teammates and fans. For them, Martinez represents not just a sporting rival but a symbol of that bitter night in Qatar.

While no official statement has come from PSG regarding Martinez’s cap, fan groups have taken to social media to express displeasure. Some French journalists have also questioned the Argentine’s sportsmanship.

Yet from Emery’s perspective, this is noise best left outside the pitch.

“My players are professionals. Emiliano especially. He knows how to block out the noise. He knows this game is not about the past, but about the present.”

Martinez: The man in the spotlight

Emiliano Martinez has often been described as a goalkeeper who thrives on pressure. Whether it’s a penalty shootout or a raucous away crowd, he rarely shies away from the spotlight.

His path from Arsenal’s backup keeper to Aston Villa’s No. 1 and Argentina’s World Cup hero has been inspiring. But it’s also been marked by controversy. His outspoken personality and expressive celebrations have made him a divisive figure—but one who continues to deliver when it counts.

As the match against PSG approaches, Martinez will again be under the microscope. Every save, every gesture, every comment will be analyzed. But Emery’s vote of confidence sends a clear message: the club stands with its goalkeeper.

With the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final kicking off in Paris, the stakes couldn't be higher for Aston Villa. The team has momentum, belief, and a coach who knows how to navigate these waters. For Martinez, the clash represents another chance to show why he’s regarded as one of the best in the world.

And while the headlines may be dominated by his past provocations, the real story is unfolding on the pitch—a story of redemption, resilience, and rivalry.