By Martin Graham
Unai Emery has dismissed any talk of a Premier League title Aston Villabut he has openly admitted to harboring ambitions on the continental stage. The head coach believes lifting the Europa League could be a realistic goal after his side secured a safe passage to the knockout rounds.
Village won 1-0 away to Fenerbahce in Istanbul, a result that guaranteed a top-eight spot in the league stage with one game remaining. This position means they skip the playoff round in February and go straight to the round of 16.
Just days earlier, Emery insisted his side should not be seen as contenders for a top-five finish at home after a home defeat against Everton. This setback underlined how difficult qualifying for next season’s Champions League can be on league placement alone.
If Villa fail to achieve the necessary Premier League places, winning the Europa League would represent their only remaining route to Europe’s top competition. Emery acknowledged this, and pointed out how demanding the domestic road has become.
The Spaniard, who has enjoyed unparalleled success in this tournament, made it clear that the club has put its sights firmly on silverware rather than mere participation.
Emery’s European pedigree fuels the belief
Thursday’s game marked Emery’s 100th appearance as a manager in the competition, a milestone that reflects his vast experience. During spells with Sevilla, Arsenal and Villarreal, he has lifted the Europa League trophy four times, most recently in 2021.
Speaking after the win in Turkey, Emery stressed that Villa are approaching the tournament with intent. He explained that the squad see the competition as a real opportunity to get a trophy, especially given the difficulty of qualifying for the Champions League through league results.
He admitted that winning the Europa League is a personal dream this season and added that the club’s goals are clearly defined. For Emery, success in Europe would not only bring glory but also provide a vital gateway to elite continental football.
Despite Villa’s rich history, their last major honor came almost three decades ago when they won the League Cup in 1996. That long wait has only sharpened the club’s desire to end the drought.
Emery also praised his players for taking the competition seriously, describing himself as very pleased with their attitude and performance against high-quality opposition.
Sancho strikes as evidenced by the depth of the team
Jadon Sancho was the decisive moment in Istanbul, scoring his first goal for Villa in his 19th appearance since arriving on loan from Manchester United in September. The forward emphasized the importance of having a manager who trusts him and encourages positivity.
The 25-year-old, whose United contract expires this summer, has found more consistent opportunities in Europe than in the Premier League. Despite starting just twice at domestic level, he has been involved from the start in each of Villa’s last five Europa League games.
Villa’s recent form has been impressive overall, with 20 wins in their last 25 games in all competitions. Only Arsenal have recorded more wins in Europe’s top leagues in that period.
Against Fenerbahce, Emery rotated a lot, making six changes, but his team controlled proceedings throughout. The narrow scoreline did not reflect their dominance over the Turkish champions.
The coach was also able to manage the team’s fitness. Tyrone Mings returned to the starting line-up after recovering from a thigh problem, while Amadou Onana appeared as a late substitute following a hamstring injury.
With the transfer window about to conclude, Emery expressed hope that reinforcements will soon be finalised. He believes strengthening the squad will be crucial as Villa prepare for the decisive months ahead across multiple competitions.
