Emery: Not a failure if Aston Villa don’t win Europa League
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery insists that failing to win the Europa League would not constitute a “defeat” for his side, as they prepare to overturn a 1-0 deficit in their all-English semifinal second leg against Nottingham Forest tonight.
Villa entered the competition as favorites, with Emery pursuing a record-extending fifth title. However, Chris Wood’s penalty in the first leg at the City Ground has left the Birmingham side trailing. Despite the stakes, Emery is adamant that the outcome at Villa Park will not define the club’s trajectory.
“To achieve the semifinal is a huge achievement. Winning a trophy is very difficult,” Emery told reporters. “It’s not a defeat if we are not achieving a trophy. The only way forward is to keep going, improving, and having opportunities in the present and the future.”
The Spaniard dismissed suggestions that the current squad has reached the “end of a cycle” following their deep European runs over the last two seasons. Instead, he emphasized that both the players and the club are still in a phase of upward growth.
Villa are looking to snap a three-match losing streak, which included a disappointing home loss to Tottenham on Sunday. Emery, who made seven changes for that fixture, confirmed that captain John McGinn has trained normally and should be available after missing the Spurs game with a knock.
However, the hosts face significant absences as Amadou Onana remains a major doubt following an injury sustained in the first leg while Ross Barkley and goalkeeper Alysson are ineligible for the clash.
Nottingham Forest arrive at Villa Park in formidable form, protecting a 10-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. Manager Vítor Pereira’s side has balanced a European surge with a tense Premier League survival battle, and Emery believes the aggregate lead makes them the frontrunners to reach the final in Istanbul.
“They have the advantage. For this reason, for me, they are the favorites,” Emery noted. “We have a huge opportunity to enjoy the momentum and enjoy competing.”
The winner of tonight’s clash will face either Braga or Freiburg in the final on May 20.
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