by Ollie Watkins says that there would have been “a bit of counter reactions” if he would like to sit on the bench because the frustrated Aston Villa striker wants to return to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The 29-year-old made headlines after his husband of the game admitted against the top 5 competitors Newcastle last weekend that he was “angry” in his role of the Champions League against Paris St. Germain.
Boss Unai Emery was enthusiastic about the way Watkins channeled this trouble with a goal and assist against the magpie, but the English international was behind Marcus Rashford on Tuesday when Villa suffered a late 2-1 defeat in Manchester City.
The striker was brought by the bank in the 76th minute in the Etihad Stadium and now hopes to get the nod if you drive to Wembley on Saturday to face the palace.
“I just said every player wants to play in my view,” said Watkins when he was asked about the Newcastle comments. “And that’s really.”
To Watkins says that Emery was enthusiastic about his answer to Newcastle, he said: “Yes, I think there will probably be a worry when I said:” I am happy to just sit on the bench and not want to play. “
“I think I would get a little counter reactions, so, yes, just say it as it is.”
Watkins spoke with confidence and clarity when the striker prepared for the crunch semi-final on Saturday when Villa is looking for a first trophy in 29 years.
“I think this is the farthest since I was in the club that we have in the FA Cup,” he said.
“We always went pretty early and it is disappointing. You want to win these competitions and it is nice that we are in the last phases.
“I said to the boys, one thing that I keep in mind when I joined the club was a trophy.
“It was so long ago that the club did it and that is the main goal.
Palace was the last team that defeated Villa in the Premier League before the loss on Tuesday at the Etihad Stadium.
The 4-1 defeat in February in Selhurst Park followed the 2-2 draw of the team in the reverse game in November and strengthened the 2-1 win of the Eagles in Villa Park in October.
“Fast turnaround and we have to come over tonight,” said Watkins. “But yes, we have all our confidence in the manager that he will do the tactics right.
“Obviously, Palace was a bit of a Bogey team for us, but in our day we can beat someone and everyone is looking forward to it. Really put the weekend.”
