On the need to sell young players to comply with profit and sustainability rules: “The PSR rules were better for us and we chose this situation. We complied with the rules by doing some things with young players that I would rather not do, but we managed it.”

Emery said that the sale of Cameron Archer to Southampton was not due to PSR, but was right for the striker’s development: “He is leaving because we think he has to do his job individually and try to develop because we cannot guarantee him that he will play a lot of minutes with us.”

Diego Carlos, however, will not leave Villa, according to Emery, who said the Brazilian centre-back is “fully with us”. He added: “Of course, things can maybe change but I don’t plan to change anything about him now unless another offer comes for us that could be a good offer.”

On the expected return date of defender Tyrone Mings, who has not played since injuring his knee on the opening day of last season: “He is not training with us yet, but hopefully he will join us in early September. Hopefully in September and October he will be back training fully with us and fit to play.”

On whether Ollie Watkins is ready after his time with England this summer and the lack of match practice in pre-season: “He is in the squad but I don’t know if he will play at the beginning or if he will come late to play a few minutes. I will meet him and after my conversation with him I will decide whether he will play or not.”

Emery said opponents West Ham have reason to be ambitious: “I think they will try to achieve the same as last year. Tomorrow will be a good game in which we will compete as two more or less similar teams. I am very motivated and excited to see how we will start with the players tomorrow.”