Unai Emery Explains Dream to Build on Aston Villa's 'Massive History'
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has articulated his ambition to build upon the club's proud history in European competitions, highlighting the responsibility he and his players feel to create new chapters of success. As Villa prepare for their UEFA Europa League quarter-final clash against Bologna, Emery reflects on the club's legacy and the challenges ahead.
Emery's Responsibility to Villa's Heritage
Unai Emery insists that Aston Villa's illustrious past, including their historic European Cup victory, imposes a duty on the current squad to forge their own legacy. "Aston Villa has a massive history in a lot of things, and one remarkable moment was when Aston Villa won the European Cup," Emery stated ahead of the first leg at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. "It's something that makes us feel responsible and that we're in a club that was successful in Europe."
Emery, who has previously won multiple European titles with other teams, expressed gratitude for his coaching opportunities but emphasized that each new challenge is distinct. "Individually, I'm feeling comfortable during the years, and thankful for the teams I was coaching with the possibility to win this title or in the Champions League or Conference League. Each moment is a different challenge. Everything we did before is done and to do it again is the challenge we have."
Europa League Quarter-Final Against Bologna
Aston Villa face Bologna in a crucial two-legged tie, with the first leg scheduled for Thursday night in Italy, followed by the return leg in Birmingham next week. This marks Bologna's third visit to Villa Park in the past 18 months, adding an extra layer of familiarity to the encounter.
Emery acknowledged the tactical consistency of Bologna, noting that their style remains similar whether playing at home or away. "Tactically, it's not going to change a lot because they are playing the same at home and away. Even the results are similar when playing at home and away," he explained. However, he warned of the difficulties ahead, particularly in away matches. "But for us, it's going to be very difficult. Every experience we've had playing away in Europe has been very difficult, more difficult than playing at home."
Building for the Future and Fan Support
Emery stressed that daily efforts with the players are focused on constructing something meaningful for the club's history. "Every day with the players and with Villa is to build something for the history of the club. To win in Europe is very, very difficult," he remarked. He also highlighted the importance of fan support, anticipating a vibrant atmosphere in the upcoming matches. "Tomorrow is going to be different because playing in Villa Park they were not playing with their supporters. Some supporters travelled there but we were with more supporters. How they are creating a great atmosphere here is going to be fantastic for them. We will have our supporters travelling to be here with us, but they are more than us."
As Villa aim to end a 30-year wait for silverware by securing a fifth UEFA Europa League title, Emery and his team remain focused on their game plan. "Tomorrow we are ready, we are focused, trying to set our game plan and trying to continue in our build, individually and collectively," he concluded, underscoring the collective effort required to achieve European success.
