Unai Emery Braces Villa for Crucial Europa Conference League Battle

Aston Villa faces a challenging atmosphere in what manager Unai Emery describes as their “most important game of the season” as they seek to overturn a deficit against Olympiakos in the Europa Conference League semi-final. Trailing 4-2 after the first leg at Villa Park, Emery acknowledges that his team must significantly raise their performance to progress to the final.  He acknowledges the difficulty of the task, particularly considering the fervent atmosphere they’ll encounter.

Emery who previously managed Sevilla and Arsenal emphasizes the need for his team to adapt and create a new experience with their approach. The uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeper situation with Emi Martinez availability in question has affected Villa preparations. Martinez serving a suspension for the first leg, was absent from the squad in their recent Premier League loss to Brighton.

Robin Olsen stepped in for Martinez and while he conceded four goals in the first leg, Emery expresses confidence in the Swedish goalkeeper abilities and professionalism.  Despite the high stakes of the Conference League campaign, Emery highlights Villa strong season in the Premier League where they are on the cusp of Champions League qualification. 

He stresses that while reaching the final would be a significant achievement, it does not define their overall success. Emery emphasizes the enjoyment of the journey and the difficulty of winning a European trophy maintaining pride in their accomplishments regardless of the outcome.