Valencia star says Arsenal boss Emery is so boring he sent player to sleep during training
Dani Parejo revealed his former manager's lengthy tactical videos were too much for one team-mate
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UNAI EMERY'S meticulous approach to perfection sent one former player to SLEEP.
The hilarious revelation was made by Dani Parejo, who Emery signed for Valencia in 2011.
Recounting a story from their days together at the Mestalla, Parejo exposed his ex-boss by recounting the brilliant story.
Emery used to hand his players USB sticks with videos of upcoming opponents so they could study their games and be fully prepared.
As well as catching out defender Jeremy Mathieu - who he suspected was not watching them - by giving him a blank drive, winger Joaquin joked he would "run out of popcorn" because the videos were too long.
Speaking to the ahead of tonight's second leg with Arsenal in the Europa League semi-finals, Parejo revealed: "Miguel Brito (former Valencia full-back) fell asleep one day.
"I avoided the pen drives because they used to be given more to the defenders.
"When they give you a bite-sized chunk of information it helps of course it does.
He is a perfectionist: there’s a lot of work, a lot of videos, a lot of talks, and it’s true that players can get tired of it.
Dani Parejo on Unai Emery
"But if a talk goes on for 20, 25 minutes, your attention wanes."
Parejo, 30, started out at Real Madrid but after just five first-team appearances, he spent the 2008/09 season on loan at QPR, playing 18 times.
Then after two years at Getafe, Emery signed the midfielder for his Valencia side.
And while ten managers - including Ernesto Valverde, Gary Neville and Nuno Espirito Santo - have been and gone, Parejo has stayed loyal to the club and is now the captain.
Now the two-cap Spain international will be hoping he can catch Arsenal's defence napping tonight and continue the week of stunning European comebacks by dumping out his former coach.
Parejo, though, was still full of praise for the Gunners boss, who needs to win a fourth Europa League in order to play in next season's Champions League.
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The midfielder added: ";He’s a very good coach. His stats are there for all to see.
"He’s done incredible, amazing things and it’s admirable. It’s also true what they say that coaches always have something special that sets them apart.
"He is a perfectionist: there’s a lot of work, a lot of videos, a lot of talks, and it’s true that players can get tired of it. He’s a bit ‘pesado’ (heavy). That’s the way he is."
