Super Eagles of Nigeria youngster Samuel Chukwueze has given his thoughts ahead of Villarreal's Champions League semi final clash against Liverpool.
The 23-year-old scored the equalizer as Villareal knocked out German Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in the quarterfinal.
Ahead of the first leg against Liverpool at Anfield, Chukwueze stated that his team are capable of another upset.
The reason for Chukwueze's confidence is his manager Unai Emery. According to the Nigerian forward Emery has shown in previous rounds against Juventus and Bayern Munich that he is tactically capable of getting the result in important games.
Chukuweze talks about Liverpool clash
He said, “What makes this Villarreal team so special is that they take themselves as a family, they look after each other, and they work for each other on the field.
”They don’t complain: ‘Oh, this person’s not doing his job’ or anything. They work together. That’s what it means. That’s what’s keeping us together, the work, the contact, everything.”
Speaking about Emery, Chukwueze stated that leading the team to the UEFA Europa League last season is a testament to his quality.
Chukwueze also talked about the importance of the game against Bayern Munich and the celebrations after.
He said, “The most important thing is the coach. He’s so fantastic. He knows how to read the game and everything. Reaching the semi-finals with this coach, I think, is amazing.
“It’s a dream come true for him also, and for the club. Playing Liverpool – they are one of the favourites, also, but we’re going to push, to show them that this is why we’re in the semi-finals.”
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“The most important thing is to win the semi-finals. If we win the semi, maybe the celebration will be [bigger than the celebration after the UEFA Europa League win].”
"[It’s] my first Champions League and my first semi-finals. Reaching the final would be amazing. It would [make this] one of the best seasons of my life.”
Chukwueze will hope to continue his good form ahead of the Super Eagles upcoming friendly games against Mexico and Ecuador.