Aston Villa Must Achieve Top Eight Finish In Europa League, Says Unai Emery

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Aston Villa manager Unai Emery emphasises the importance of securing a top-eight finish in the Europa League as they prepare to face Maccabi Tel Aviv. Currently sitting 10th, Villa aims to climb higher after a recent setback against Go Ahead Eagles. A win could propel them into the top eight, crucial for avoiding play-offs. Emery's team has a strong home record, winning 12 of their last 14 European games.

Emery is determined to avoid play-offs, drawing from past experiences in the Conference and Champions Leagues. "The only idea is to be the first in the table," he stated. Despite a loss, Villa remains focused on winning each match to secure a top-eight spot. Emery stresses learning from past mistakes and improving performance at home.

Villa's chances of winning the Europa League are high, with Opta's supercomputer giving them a 30% probability. Their closest rivals, Lyon and Lille, have just an 8% chance each. For Thursday's match against Tel Aviv, Villa is heavily favoured with an 81% chance of victory. Tel Aviv has struggled in Europe recently, losing nine of their last 12 major matches.

Emery acknowledges the difficulty of winning competitions and individual matches. "It is difficult to say who is the favourite," he remarked. He emphasises respecting every opponent and staying focused to avoid unexpected losses like the one against Go Ahead Eagles. The team must remain diligent both individually and collectively.

In other news, Aston Villa announced that captain John McGinn has extended his contract until June 2028. McGinn joined from Hibernian in 2019 and has made 256 appearances for Villa. Emery praised McGinn's leadership and versatility on the field, highlighting his significant contribution to the team over the years.

Emery commended McGinn's commitment since his arrival at Villa Park. "He has shown us how he is leading the team in all moments," Emery said about McGinn's influence on and off the field. The manager values McGinn's ability to play multiple positions and believes he will remain vital for future success.

As Aston Villa prepares for their upcoming match against Maccabi Tel Aviv, they aim not only for victory but also for strategic positioning within the league standings. With strong leadership from both Emery and McGinn, Villa looks forward to achieving their goals this season while maintaining focus and respect for all opponents they face along the way.