Emery eyes Europa success as Villa seal last-16 place

By Martin Graham

Unai Emery has performed down any speak of a Premier League title push at Aston Villa, but he has overtly admitted to harbouring ambitions on the continental stage. The top coach believes lifting the Europa League might be a practical goal after his aspect secured secure passage into the knockout rounds.

Villa claimed a 1-0 away victory over Fenerbahce in Istanbul, a end result that assured a top-eight end within the league section with one fixture nonetheless remaining. That place means they bypass the February playoff spherical and transfer instantly into the final 16.

Solely days earlier, Emery insisted his crew shouldn’t be seen as candidates for a top-five home end following a slim residence defeat towards Everton. That setback underlined how difficult qualification for subsequent season’s Champions League might show via league placement alone.

Ought to Villa fall wanting the required Premier League spots, profitable the Europa League would symbolize their sole remaining route into Europe’s prime competitors. Emery acknowledged as a lot, declaring how demanding the home path has turn out to be.

The Spaniard, who has loved unparalleled success on this event, made clear that the membership have set their sights firmly on silverware reasonably than merely participation.

Emery’s european pedigree fuels perception

Thursday’s match marked Emery’s a hundredth look as a supervisor within the competitors, a milestone that displays his in depth expertise. Throughout spells with Sevilla, Arsenal, and Villarreal, he has lifted the Europa League trophy 4 instances, most lately in 2021.

Talking after the win in Turkey, Emery harassed that Villa are approaching the event with intent. He defined that the squad views the competitors as a real probability to safe a trophy, significantly given the issue of qualifying for the Champions League via league outcomes.

He admitted that profitable the Europa League is a private dream this season, including that the membership’s goals are clearly outlined. For Emery, success in Europe wouldn’t solely ship glory but in addition present an important gateway into elite continental soccer.

Regardless of Villa’s wealthy historical past, their final main honour got here almost three a long time in the past once they received the League Cup in 1996. That lengthy wait has solely sharpened the will throughout the membership to finish the drought.

Emery additionally praised his gamers for taking the competitors critically, describing himself as extraordinarily happy with their angle and efficiency towards high-quality opposition.

Sancho strikes as squad depth reveals

Jadon Sancho supplied the decisive second in Istanbul, scoring his first purpose for Villa on his nineteenth look since arriving on mortgage from Manchester United in September. The ahead highlighted the significance of getting a supervisor who trusts him and encourages positivity.

The 25-year-old, whose United contract runs out this summer time, has discovered extra constant alternatives in Europe than within the Premier League. Whereas he has began solely twice domestically, he has featured from the outset in every of Villa’s final 5 Europa League matches.

Villa’s latest type has been spectacular general, with 20 victories from their previous 25 video games in all competitions. Solely Arsenal has recorded extra wins throughout Europe’s main leagues in that interval.

Towards Fenerbahce, Emery rotated closely, making six modifications, but his crew managed proceedings all through. The slim scoreline didn’t replicate their dominance over the Turkish champions.

The supervisor was additionally capable of handle health throughout the squad. Tyrone Mings returned to the beginning lineup after recovering from a thigh downside, whereas Amadou Onana made a late substitute look following a hamstring harm.

With the switch window nearing its conclusion, Emery expressed hope that reinforcements would quickly be finalised. He believes strengthening the group will likely be essential as Villa prepares for the decisive months forward throughout a number of competitions.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports activities author