Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has delivered a characteristically focused and blunt response to ambitious new stadium plans unveiled by the club's cross-city rivals, Birmingham City.
The Birmingham City Powerhouse Plans
Birmingham City's proposed new ground, named the Birmingham City Powerhouse, was officially showcased on Thursday afternoon. The stadium is designed to be the centrepiece of a new Sports Quarter and is projected to be ready for the start of the 2030/2031 season.
The ambitious design for the Powerhouse includes 12 surrounding chimneys and is intended to host a wide array of major sporting and entertainment events. Crucially, the venue will have a substantial capacity exceeding 60,000 spectators, signalling Blues' intent for a significant future presence.
Emery's Dismissive Press Conference Reply
When questioned during his pre-Leeds United press conference about whether the new stadium plans made him keen to experience a Second City derby during his tenure at Villa, Emery's reply was swift and dismissive.
"I am focusing on our matches and I am focusing on everything here that we are trying to build," the Villa boss stated. "We have a lot of teams here around the city and I am not focusing about them. Nothing. Only in our way."
This response underscores Emery's renowned single-minded approach, refusing to be drawn into discussions about the club's local rivals and their long-term projects.
The Context of the Second City Rivalry
The last fierce derby clash between Aston Villa and Birmingham City was played in March 2019, a match remembered for Jack Grealish scoring the solitary winning goal at St. Andrew's.
The historical context adds weight to Emery's dismissal. Aston Villa are currently unbeaten in their last eight fixtures against their cross-city rivals and have secured victory in the last three consecutive meetings.
For fans longing for the derby's return, the proposed Birmingham City Powerhouse offers a potential future venue, but Emery's comments make it clear his immediate focus remains firmly on Villa's own trajectory.
