By Martin Graham
Unai Emery has played down any talk of a Premier League title push at Aston Villa, yet he has openly admitted to harbouring ambitions on the continental stage. The head coach believes lifting the Europa League could be a realistic target after his side secured safe passage into the knockout rounds.
Villa claimed a 1-0 away victory over Fenerbahce in Istanbul, a result that guaranteed a top-eight finish in the league phase with one fixture still remaining. That position means they bypass the February playoff round and move directly into the last 16.
Only days earlier, Emery insisted his team should not be viewed as candidates for a top-five domestic finish following a narrow home defeat against Everton. That setback underlined how challenging qualification for next season’s Champions League may prove through league placement alone.
Should Villa fall short of the required Premier League spots, winning the Europa League would represent their sole remaining route into Europe’s top competition. Emery acknowledged as much, pointing out how demanding the domestic path has become.
The Spaniard, who has enjoyed unparalleled success in this tournament, made clear that the club have set their sights firmly on silverware rather than merely participation.
Emery’s european pedigree fuels belief
Thursday’s match marked Emery’s 100th appearance as a manager in the competition, a milestone that reflects his extensive experience. Across 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 views the competition as a genuine chance to secure a trophy, particularly 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, adding that the club’s objectives are clearly defined. For Emery, success in Europe would not only deliver glory but also provide a vital gateway into elite continental football.
Despite Villa’s rich history, their last major honour came nearly three decades ago when they won the League Cup in 1996. That long wait has only sharpened the desire within the club to end the drought.
Emery also praised his players for taking the competition seriously, describing himself as extremely pleased with their attitude and performance against high-quality opposition.
Sancho strikes as squad depth shows
Jadon Sancho provided the decisive moment in Istanbul, scoring his first goal for Villa on his 19th appearance since arriving on loan from Manchester United in September. The forward highlighted the importance of having a manager who trusts him and encourages positivity.
The 25-year-old, whose United contract runs out this summer, has found more consistent opportunities in Europe than in the Premier League. While he has started only twice domestically, he has featured from the outset in each of Villa’s last five Europa League matches.
Villa’s recent form has been impressive overall, with 20 victories from their past 25 games in all competitions. Only Arsenal has recorded more wins across Europe’s major leagues in that period.
Against Fenerbahce, Emery rotated heavily, making six changes, yet his team controlled proceedings throughout. The narrow scoreline did not reflect their dominance over the Turkish champions.
The manager was also able to manage fitness across the squad. Tyrone Mings returned to the starting lineup after recovering from a thigh problem, while Amadou Onana made a late substitute appearance following a hamstring injury.
With the transfer window nearing its conclusion, Emery expressed hope that reinforcements would soon be finalised. He believes strengthening the group will be crucial as Villa prepares for the decisive months ahead across multiple competitions.
