Arsenal boss Unai Emery reveals he is big fan of Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier
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Saturday 23 February 2019 13:05, UK
Arsenal head coach Unai Emery has revealed he has long been aware of Sunday's opponents Southampton - because of the exploits of Sky Sports pundit Matt Le Tissier.
Emery may be relatively new to English football but the Spaniard says he has been watching Southampton for years.
Arsenal host the Saints on Sunday knowing a victory could see them return to the Premier League top four.
Ahead of the game, Emery recalled watching Le Tissier excel for Southampton, back in the days when the manager was attempting to make his way as a player in Spain, before injury cut short his career.
"My memory of him is that he was a very, very special player," Emery told Arsenal.com
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"He's one player who I would watch, when I was watching the Premier League in Spain.
"He was one player I would watch a lot of movies of. He was very technical, a quality player with the ball and was amazing for the spectacle."
Arsenal go into Sunday's game as favourites but they were in action on Thursday night in the Europa League and were defeated at St Mary's in December, ensuring Emery will give Southampton full respect.
He added: "Like all the teams in the Premier League, they are difficult and they will be preparing for this match with big players and also with time, and for us it is difficult.
"We have respect for them but we need to impose our game-plan and quality and intensity.
"It is very important to get the three points. We are playing at home with our supporters and I want to carry on stronger here, but with a big demand from ourselves to find a victory."
