Alejandro Garnacho faces Champions League wait as Emery

Alejandro Garnacho’s difficult start to life at Aston Villa continued with a Champions League snub, left on the bench for the entire match in Belgium. Villa boss Unai Emery admits the 22-year-old forward is still searching for his best form but insists he is improving through hard work and a strong attitude.

Garnacho was an unused substitute during Aston Villa’s dramatic 3-2 away victory at Club Brugge on Tuesday. The match represented a missed opportunity for the Chelsea loanee to make an impression on the European stage. Manager Unai Emery has so far shown a clear preference for academy graduate George Hemmings in the forward positions, limiting Garnacho’s chances. The Argentine has managed just 31 minutes of competitive action across all competitions since his summer move from Stamford Bridge.

This lack of playing time has raised questions about his immediate role in the squad. Emery is carefully managing a large group of ten new signings, with only three of them, Zion Suzuki, Joao Gomes and Nicolas Jackson, having started a Premier League game so far. The manager’s priority is integrating these players while maintaining results, a balancing act that has left Garnacho waiting for his moment.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest, Emery offered a candid assessment. He praised Garnacho’s commitment but made it clear that more is required. "First is positive, his attitude," Emery said. "His attitude is very important, he is getting the commitment we need to achieve it."

The manager outlined the path forward for the young attacker, emphasizing patience and daily effort. "Now he needs time. Time, hard work every day, and he is showing it with his attitude," Emery explained. He acknowledged Garnacho’s limited minutes so far have not been enough to show his full capabilities but sees signs of growth. "Progressively, I am seeing him better. The most important thing is being consistent and demanding through the attitude he has."

Emery expressed his belief that Garnacho will eventually come good at Villa Park. "Then, I believe and I trust that he will achieve his best performance," he stated.

Aston Villa’s busy summer transfer window has created intense competition for places. Emery has brought in a full squad’s worth of new talent, and not all can play at once. The manager is focused on two parallel objectives: competing in every tournament and building a cohesive team unit. "We are in two sides at the same time, being involved in a process," Emery said. "One is to compete in each competition. The Premier League is the priority."

This process means established players and those who adapt quickest are getting the nod. Garnacho, alongside other new signings, is in a phase of adaptation. His challenge is to accelerate that process through his performances in training. The situation is further complicated by Emery’s tactical preferences and the immediate success of homegrown options like Hemmings. For now, Garnacho’s role is one of a project player, with the club investing in his long-term development rather than expecting an instant impact.

• Garnacho has played only 31 minutes for Aston Villa this season.
• He was an unused substitute in the 3-2 Champions League win at Club Brugge.
• Manager Unai Emery says the player’s attitude is positive but he needs more time.
• Emery has started just three of his ten summer signings in the Premier League.