Unai Emery holds the belief that Aston Villa has the potential to break their 27-year trophy drought in their return to European competition this season in the Europa Conference League.
In a recent playoff match, Aston Villa demonstrated their offensive prowess as Ollie Watkins secured a hat-trick, propelling them to a commanding 5-0 victory over Scottish team Hibernian in the first leg. This decisive win brings Villa a step closer to securing a spot in the group stage of the tournament.
Unai Emery boasts an impressive track record in European competitions, having clinched the Europa League title four times during his managerial tenures with Sevilla and Villarreal. He also guided Arsenal to the Europa League final in 2019 and led Villarreal to the Champions League semi-finals in 2022.
Emery emphasized the significance of Aston Villa's participation in the Conference League, expressing a strong desire for success in the competition. He acknowledged the importance of being part of European football and achieving something meaningful on that stage.
In a touching detail, Emery shared that he draws daily inspiration from images of Villa's historic 1982 European Cup-winning team displayed at the club's training ground. Since taking the reins last season, Emery has significantly impacted the team's fortunes.
Taking charge of a side that was struggling just outside the relegation zone in October, Emery's leadership led Aston Villa to a commendable seventh-place finish, securing European football for the first time in 13 years. For Emery, the journey is not solely focused on the immediate performance or the Conference League. He is dedicated to cultivating a resilient mentality within the team and pursuing success across various competitions, including the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Emery recognizes the special allure of European tournaments and envisions Aston Villa as strong contenders for a trophy in the Conference League, despite it being the third-tier European competition. The manager acknowledges the stiff competition within the tournament and the importance of showcasing the team's capabilities on this grand stage.
"It's not only about tonight or the Conference League, it's also about building a strong mentality," added Emery.
"I want us to try and do something in the FA Cup, Carabao [League] Cup, and Europe is special because we can be candidates to get a trophy. The Conference League might be the third competition but there are a lot of great teams so it's important for us."
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