Aston Villa will travel to Anfield to face defending champions Liverpool in a key match of the 10th round of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Emery stated in a press conference that his team cannot afford any complacency in order to maintain their tactics and good results.

After Cash's goal, Aston Villa defeated Manchester City 1-0 in the last round. With four consecutive wins, Aston Villa currently sits in 8th place in the standings with 15 points, level on points with 7th-placed Liverpool. However, Sloth's team had previously suffered four consecutive defeats and were eliminated from the English League Cup by Crystal Palace.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said, "The team's overall performance, as well as our progress in tactics and points, is very important. It also shows that the players and our tactical execution are continuously improving. We are doing better now than at the beginning of the season. However, we must avoid complacency. Although we feel good about our current situation, it is far from enough."

“I have great respect for Liverpool. Although their results are not ideal at times, their manager proved his ability and experience last season. Their performance last season was amazing, both overall and tactically, and they ultimately won the Premier League title.”

Emery continued, "They are still managed by the same manager this season, and their squad is even stronger. They are continuing to adjust and refine the team, which takes time for the players to integrate better. But in terms of individual ability, their players are very good. I know that tomorrow's game will be very difficult. We must be the best tactically, the best individually, and decisive enough."

“We have been very effective in our execution and commitment in the last few games, which will be just as crucial for tomorrow’s game. It will be very difficult to limit them, as they also have injuries, just like us. But I am excited and motivated by this challenge.”

Praise Cash for his continuous progress and growth

Furthermore, 28-year-old Cash recently extended his contract with Aston Villa until 2029. Speaking about the defender, Emery said, "Cash is a very genuine person; he always expresses his emotions frankly, and he's a very good person. He's constantly growing, both as a player and as an individual. He's invested a lot here, and when he received offers from other teams and could have taken on new challenges, he chose to stay and sign a new contract with the team, which we are very happy about."

“He’s playing better and more mature. I think he can control his emotions better now, which is an important improvement for me.”

Regarding how the team can return to its ideal form, Emery said, "We have raised the bar in training and meetings. I was really worried a month ago when we were performing poorly and in a slump. I conveyed this concern to the players and tried to find solutions, and we gradually emerged from that slump through hard training. Now we are performing better and better, but if we become complacent because we are playing well, then problems will arise."

“My concern right now is how to maintain a high standard and continue to be as consistent as we have in recent games. If we want to reach Liverpool’s level tomorrow, we must be very focused, decisive and meticulous in every aspect.”