Key man explains why Aston Villa won't lose focus ahead of Leeds test

Villa beat Tottenham, Manchester City and Bournemouth prior to the international break and sit sixth in the table, with their next three games all against teams currently in the bottom half.

But Buendia says Emery won’t allow his players to relax.

“You can see in the table, everything is tight,” he said. “Every game is difficult and that is the message from the manager. 

“That is why we have to respect everyone. We know we are in a good moment, with good momentum. We have to keep working.”

Villa are one of five teams separated only by goal difference and while they sit only four points behind second-placed City, they are also only three ahead of 13th-placed Everton in a table which remains heavily congested even with the season nearly one-third complete.

Sunday’s trip to Leeds is followed by a home derby against Wolves and a visit to Brighton.

“He (Emery) is always giving the same message, to build the team and be focused on every game like we do. 

“We focus on every detail, to prepare the match to face every opponent with a lot of respect.

“Every team deserves credit and respect. We work a lot on it. We know how hard every competition is.”