Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has issued a clear directive to his squad ahead of their Europa League quarter-final clash: dismiss any notion of superiority and brace for a formidable challenge.
The Premier League side is set to face Bologna, with the first leg taking place in Italy on Thursday. Emery, a seasoned campaigner in this competition, emphasized that past successes and league standings offer no guarantees in European football.
“Victory on this stage demands absolute respect for the tournament and every opponent,” Emery stated in a pre-match briefing. “A lapse in focus, even for a moment, can end your journey. I speak from considerable experience in these high-stakes situations.”
While Emery’s personal record in the Europa League is distinguished, he was quick to highlight the credentials of their upcoming rivals. He described Bologna as a “team of winners,” pointing to their strong recent form and a notable away victory over Roma in the previous round. He firmly dismissed any suggestion that Villa should be considered favourites, framing the tie as a perfectly balanced contest.
The manager also anticipates a testing environment at Bologna’s home ground, acknowledging the significant role a passionate home support will play. “Playing away in Europe presents a distinct set of difficulties,” he noted. “We must demonstrate resilience and composure, regardless of how the match unfolds. We need to be prepared to withstand pressure and find our own rhythm amidst a hostile atmosphere.”
This encounter marks the third European meeting between the two clubs in recent seasons, but the first to be held on Italian soil. Villa enters the match after a prolonged break from competitive action, adding another layer of complexity to their preparation for this critical two-legged tie.
