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Unai Emery hits out at European Super League plans ahead of Arsenal reunion

Arsenal will face Villareal in the Europa League semifinals and all-promo-codes.com has all the betting odds and offers for the game. However, that match may be in doubt after recent announcements surrounding the European Super League.

The Gunners recently confirmed that they are one of the 12 founding members of the Super League, and this has been met with fierce opposition from fans.

A number of ex-players have also hit out at the decision, as well as former managers. Villarreal manager Unai Emery spoke at a press conference today and described the proposal as a ‘war for the control of football’.

The Spaniard added that he is against the plan, and emphasised that it’s very risky for the game and its essence.

“This is a war for the control of football. The clubs have rebelled against control of UEFA,” Emery said on Tuesday lunchtime,” he said..

“My position, in principle, is (that I’m) against it. It’s very risky for football and its essence.”

There have been plenty of protests from the supporters since the announcement was made on Sunday but so far, none of the clubs have backed down from the league.

Earlier yesterday, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who is also the chairman of the ESL, stated that there is a binding contract and no clubs will leave.

It was recently suggested that UEFA could expel the teams, who are still alive in the European competitions this term, but Florentino has ruled out the prospect.

The Gunners have had another tough league campaign, and their top-four hopes are seem over with a nine-point gap to fourth-placed West Ham United with only six games remaining.

As things stand, their Champions League prospects for next season are dependent on winning the Europa League, but it won’t be easy with competition from Villarreal, Roma and Manchester United.

They are scheduled to face Villarreal in the semi-final stage with the opening leg on the road on April 29. The return leg at the Emirates Stadium will be played on May 6.

The Gunners will go into the game as the favourites, but Emery will be hoping to get one over his former club. The Spaniard was sacked by the Gunners in November 2019.

Mikel Arteta’s side are in Premier League action against Everton at home on Friday night before the European meeting.

Villarreal, however, have a tougher schedule with Alaves and Barcelona to face on Wednesday and Sunday respectively.

The Gunners will definitely go into the away leg of the semi-final tie with the fresher set of players.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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