Unai Emery has urged his Aston Villa squad to solidify their unexpected status as contenders for automatic qualification to the Champions League's last 16. Villa, who have yet to concede in the competition, have the opportunity to secure their fourth consecutive victory if they triumph over Club Brugge on Wednesday. The Villa manager believes his team will require 16 or 17 points to secure a spot in the top eight.
Emery noted that Villa have relished their role as a 'fighter team' since returning to Europe's elite club stage but has pushed his players to take the next step in Belgium. 'We have the chance to move one step closer in this competition, to become contenders for the top eight,' Emery stated. 'This is a truly remarkable goal that we can attain. We understand the possibility of securing our fourth win, accumulating 12 points, and the anticipation for the next round to be among the top eight, possibly needing 16, 17 points. If we win, we can certainly be contenders for a top-eight spot.'
'The best teams in Europe will be there, but there will be some surprises – if we make it, we are a surprise because we were not initially contenders or favorites to be in the top eight, perhaps just to advance to the next round. Some favorites will be eliminated, but with the chance to play in the playoff round against teams finishing in the top eight.'
For Amadou Onana, who holds 19 Belgium caps, the match holds extra significance. The midfielder moved to Belgium at the age of 11 from Senegal, where he was born, but despite being on the books of Anderlecht, the now-defunct RWS Bruxelles, and Zulte Waregem, he has never played a professional club game in Belgium.
'I can't wait for it,' said the 23-year-old, who moved to Germany at 15. 'It is special because this is what I call home. It's always nice to return to Belgium. I didn't get the chance to play here in Bruges, but I know it's one of the biggest clubs in Belgium.'
Villa, aiming to bounce back after defeats by Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup and Tottenham in the Premier League, will be without Ross Barkley and Matty Cash due to injury. Onana, when asked about maintaining Villa's perfect record in the Champions League, said: 'It would mean a lot for us and for the fans. I don't think many expected us to be in this position at this stage of the competition. That's the target, to be first in the Champions League, and we want to keep it.'
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