Unai Emery is urging Aston Villa to take on a leading role when they go head-to-head with Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday. The former PSG manager is anticipating a “special and spectacular” return to Parc des Princes, where he spent two seasons from 2016 to 2018.
Emery’s Villa side is brimming with confidence, having secured a top-eight finish and breezed through the last 16 with a resounding 6-1 aggregate victory over Club Brugge. They have also triumphed in their last seven matches across all competitions, putting themselves in contention for a second consecutive top-four finish in the Premier League.
The Spanish coach is determined to guide Villa to consistent success at the highest level of European football. “When I arrived at Aston Villa, it was a challenge. I wanted to win titles and compete in Europe,” Emery revealed during his pre-match press conference. “Qualifying for the Champions League is an incredible achievement, but my next challenge is to do it consistently.”
Emery is relishing the opportunity to play in Paris for a quarter-final match, describing it as something special and spectacular for everyone associated with the club. However, his focus remains on maintaining that level of performance consistently. “We are very confident and believe we have chances to succeed and enjoy ourselves,” he added.
Reflecting on his time at PSG, Emery acknowledged the significance of returning to the French capital under these circumstances. He emphasized his responsibility to Villa and his determination to extract the best from his team and players. He also praised PSG’s style of play, highlighting their dominance in both the league and the Champions League under the guidance of manager Luis Enrique. Emery noted their impressive performance against Liverpool and commended their pressing game and overall intensity.
Despite recognizing PSG’s strengths, Emery made it clear that Villa will not shy away from the challenge. He wants his team to compete and take center stage on the field. “We want to be protagonists,” he declared.
In conclusion, Emery’s return to Parc des Princes is filled with anticipation and excitement. Villa’s recent form and momentum give them confidence heading into the quarter-final clash. Emery’s focus on consistent success at the highest level highlights his ambition for the club. The stage is set for an enthralling encounter between two formidable teams.
