Leon Bailey insists Aston Villa fans will have a big part to play on Wednesday night (8pm kick-off) as Unai Emery’s side hosts Bayern Munich at Villa Park in the Champions League. The German giants were drawn out as Villa’s home pot one opponents, with Villa also scheduled to play Bundesliga side RB Leipzig away later this year and three home games against Bayern, Bologna, and Juventus, plus a trip to Club Brugge at the start of November.
Reflecting on the significance of the upcoming match, Bailey shared his thoughts.
Leon Bailey said “It’s a big game, Villa Park is going to be exciting to see. For the fans, it is going to be big, but for us too as players who have not really played in Europe that much. We are going to enjoy the atmosphere and focus on playing our best together, as a team, and try to get the job done.”
Bailey emphasized the challenge and opportunity presented by facing a storied team like Bayern Munich.
Leon Bailey said “We know they have been brilliant in the Champions League for years and we are trying to be that team again, which plays in Europe regularly. These are the teams you want to face. It is going to be exciting to see.”
He highlighted the significance of the match, not just for the players but for the entire club and its supporters.
Leon Bailey said “This is what we have been working for, to be playing in the Champions League and against these big teams. To show our power, our quality and what Villa Park is made of with the atmosphere. It doesn’t matter if it is a cup game or the Champions League. That is what we are going to try and do.”
Bailey issued a rallying cry to the fans, noting the historic nature of the occasion.
Leon Bailey said “The fans need to play a big part on Wednesday. It is the first time Champions League football has been back at Villa Park for 42 years. It is going to be great. Everyone is going to be excited about it and the message to the fans is just give us the best support you can and we will do the best we can to get the win.”
Villa enters the match against Bayern on the back of a 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Sunday. The result ended their 100 percent record on the road but maintained their strong start to the campaign nonetheless. Bailey expressed his feelings on the outcome.
Leon Bailey said “It is definitely frustrating for us. We went there with the mindset to win the game, but it is difficult. They deserved to draw the game if we are honest. They played really well and we needed to push more if we really wanted the points and we didn’t do that in the end. What more can we do? We gave it our best but they were also very good as well. They’re a good team.”
Aston Villa fans and players alike are eagerly anticipating the return of Champions League football to Villa Park, and Bailey’s passionate words reflect the collective excitement and determination to make the most of this monumental occasion.