Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has confirmed the club signed Alejandro Garnacho for the long term amid his early struggles. Former Manchester United forward Garnacho joined Emery's side on loan this summer from Chelsea.
The season-long deal to bring him to Villa Park includes a conditional obligation to buy. It follows several poor campaigns for the Argentine.
Garnacho's recent struggles
Garnacho fell out with former Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim during his final season at Old Trafford and was dropped for the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, which sealed his fate. It was then hoped that he could enjoy a new lease of life at Stamford Bridge after completing a £40million move last summer.
But the winger failed to make a significant impact in west London as Chelsea endured a poor campaign, finishing 10th in the Premier League and missing out on European football. Garnacho was then shipped off to Villa in July, where he has made a slow start.
Emery's backing
The United academy graduate has been restricted to substitute appearances so far - failing to score or provide an assist in three appearances. Now, Emery has had his say on Villa's plans for the attacker before Saturday's visit of Nottingham Forest.
He said: "We want him at the same level he was for Chelsea in the first part of last season and in Manchester two years ago."
"He is a player we have signed for a long time, and we will help him to feel comfortable and confident to get his quality."
Confidence and attitude
Garnacho was an unused substitute during Tuesday's 3-2 Champions League win at Club Brugge - dealing a further blow to the player's confidence. But Emery expects the forward to make an impact at B6 and has praised his attitude in a bid to earn more minutes under the former Arsenal head coach.
He added: "First is positive - his attitude. His attitude is very important, he is getting the commitment we need to achieve it."
"Now he needs time. Time, hard work every day, and he is showing it with his attitude. Then, everything he is progressing."
"Every training session we are doing, he is showing he can play matches. He played a few minutes, but it was not enough, firstly due to the minutes he played and the things he showed."
"Progressively, I am seeing him better. The most important thing is being consistent and demanding through the attitude he has. Then, I believe and I trust that he will achieve his best performance."
