Unai Emery
Aston Villa are gearing up for a crucial FA Cup fourth-round clash against Newcastle United at Villa Park this Saturday. The team, led by manager Unai Emery, aims to progress beyond this stage for the second consecutive season, a feat last achieved between 2008–09 and 2010–11. Having already defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in this season’s FA Cup, Villa are determined to replicate last year’s success when they reached a Wembley semi-final after overcoming Cardiff City and Preston North End. Currently sitting third in the Premier League, Villa are also eyeing Champions League qualification as one of their primary objectives this season.
Unai Emery said: “I set the target myself when I arrived here – to try to win trophies. Of course, this is very difficult. We played in the semi-final last year of the FA Cup. It was a very good moment to share with our supporters. Of course, we lost. We were excited, but at the same time we were frustrated. Two years ago, we played Olympiacos in the semi-final of the Europa Conference League. Of course, each year is an opportunity to fight for a trophy. In the Europa League, we are still contenders. In the FA Cup, we played fantastically at Spurs – the players showed a real wish to do something.”
Emery continued: “Here, we have the opportunity to share our wishes and our mentality with the supporters. We have a difficult team in front of us, the draw was not easy for us. We must accept it. We are motivated. We are taking steps forward both individually and collectively. The next step is winning trophies. To achieve some prestige. We have our sporting revenge, collectively and individually, in everything. In Europe, in the semi-final we played. Last year in the FA Cup. We even have our sporting revenge from last year, finishing sixth in the league and missing out on the Champions League on goals. We have that as sporting revenge, with the teams we have in front.”
He added: “I am feeling always so, so responsible about everything I am doing. My responsibility always is massive. But I am not feeling pressure for it [ending trophy drought]. I am not stopping in my focus for our objective, or my objectives. To get a trophy is something fantastic, but to achieve it is very difficult. In the Carabao Cup the final is Arsenal and Manchester City. Wow. Now we are in the FA Cup, every team wants to win it. Tomorrow, Newcastle is another contender to get this trophy. Of course, we can feel like a contender as well, yes, but in front there are other teams ahead of us. But tomorrow we are playing at home with our support at Villa Park. We must show our wishes, our preparation and our improvement because how we play tomorrow is going to be the key.”
Villa’s impressive performance in the Premier League this season has bolstered their confidence as they prepare to face Newcastle United, a formidable opponent in the FA Cup. Emery’s focus on trophy success is evident, with the manager emphasizing the importance of collective and individual growth. The team is also driven by the desire to avenge last season’s near-miss for Champions League qualification, which they narrowly missed on goal difference. As they prepare for the match at Villa Park, the home advantage and support from their fans will be crucial in their quest for FA Cup glory.
About The Author
