Emery defends Chukwueze’s performance against Hapoel

Samuel Chukwueze endured a torrid time on the pitch during Villarreal’s UEFA Conference League clash against Hapoel Beer Sheva in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

Chukwueze got the nod to start the game, but was less effective and hauled off by Coach Unai Emery after just 45 minutes.

The Nigerian winger had 22 touches and completed nine of his 10 attempted passes.

Chukwueze had zero contributions to Villarreal’s attacking play, and he also didn’t complete any of his two dribble attempts.

He gave away possession six times and dribbled past on three occasion.

Villarreal however dug deep and managed to snatch a 2-1 win, thanks to goals from Jose Luis Morales (28′ penalty) and Alex Baena (67′), while Rotem Hatuel (63′) grabbed Hapoel Beer Sheva’s only goal of the game.

After the game, Emery however defended the poor performance from the winger and his teammates.

“Europe is very difficult. You always find difficulties against teams that for them is a good opportunity and against a hard-working rival.

“They have demanded a lot from us and on a physical level, the demand is from the Champions League. We have played a very serious game and we have found victory with different players.

“I’m happy because the goal of being first is to win these games. These experiences help us,” He explained.