Ivorian forward Evann Guessand has opened up on Unai Emery’s influence after joining Aston Villa.
Guessand joins the Villans from French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice for an undisclosed fee.
After completing his move, the 24-year-old cited the Villa boss as a major factor in his decision to join the club, and is confident Emery will bring the best out of him and help develop his abilities.
“Really happy to be here. I was waiting for this moment since a long time ago, and now I’m just excited to start the game, see the fans, and my team-mates, start to train with them,” he told Villa TV.
“I was watching the games of Aston Villa in the last seasons, and after that we started talking with the coach.
“To be honest, our talks were the main point, because he really is the person who convinced me to come here, and of course we know the career of this coach.
“A long time ago, I saw him in the French league, and he’s known for the way he used to improve the players he used to work with, so I was thinking about this.
“I’m a young player and I want to improve. I have many qualities that can improve, so when I spoke with the coach, I (knew) this is the right coach for me to become better and better.”
He also spoke about his versatility in attacking areas and also what Villa fans might see from him on the field.
Having heard and seen impressive things of the unique Villa Park atmosphere, he is now looking forward to pulling on our claret and blue and stepping out into his new home for the first time.
Asked on what supporters can expect, Guessand added: “I can say a player which is fast, strong, I can have skills as well.
“I can say I’m a versatile player. I’m tall and a bit strong. Most players like me play No.9, but I can play, 11, 7, 9, 10.
“I’ve not (got) a specific position on the field, but I would say around the striker is where I feel the most comfortable.
“If the coach puts me in the No.9 or on the wing, I will play, because I feel comfortable everywhere.
“I have to be ready. In my head, is just meet the fans, see the atmosphere.
“Many people talk about the atmosphere in the stadium, and I saw some video last season from the game against PSG. The fans were crazy.
“I just want to meet the fans and my team-mates. I just want to start it and live my dream.”
The forward came through the ranks at the French club and enjoyed a 2024/25 campaign where he scored 12 goals, helping Nice finish fourth in Ligue 1.
Guessand will wear the No.29 shirt throughout the 2025/26 season.
