Unai Emery has called on his Aston Villa players to “write history” by staging a remarkable comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final second leg. Villa face a tough challenge, trailing 3-1 after the first leg in Paris, but Emery is adamant that his side can turn things around with the right attitude and atmosphere at Villa Park.
Emery emphasized that the deficit from the first leg does not alter the task ahead. He drew on his past experiences, having been on both sides of memorable comebacks in European football. While not going into specifics about his own past failures, including the famous 6-1 defeat with PSG against Barcelona in 2017, Emery focused on the present and the collective experience of his Villa team. “We want to write history with Aston Villa,” he said. He pointed to last year’s run in the Conference League and the current success in the Champions League as proof of the club’s growing stature in Europe. He believes that Villa’s combination of tactical discipline and mental strength will be key to overturning the two-goal deficit.
The manager stressed the importance of Villa Park as a fortress, something that has been crucial in Villa’s successful season so far. He believes the supporters can play a huge role in pushing the team forward. “We have to believe,” he said, drawing on the crowd’s energy and passion to drive his players to greater heights. His confidence in Villa’s ability to overcome PSG is matched by the players themselves.
Morgan Rogers, a key figure in Villa’s squad this season, echoed Emery’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of playing at home in the second leg. Rogers expressed that the team feels immense belief in their ability to make a comeback. “There’s massive belief. Most people wrote us off before the tie. We’re excited, under the lights at home, playing in the quarter-finals of this competition. There are not many places better to be,” he stated. The atmosphere at Villa Park, Rogers suggested, could be a secret weapon in the team’s pursuit of an unlikely turnaround.
Rogers went on to explain how the fans’ support has been a driving force behind Villa’s performances this season. Whether in the Champions League or in crucial Premier League matches, the crowd’s energy has often proven to be more than just a backdrop it’s been a tangible advantage. “Sometimes it’s just about that sheer energy and heart and determination within the stadium. That can be just enough to pull you through tough moments,” Rogers said. The players are fully aware that every bit of support from the fans will be crucial in the second leg.
Emery also dismissed concerns that PSG’s extended break before the second leg might give them a physical advantage. Villa had a tough match against Southampton just days before the return leg, but the manager was unfazed by the six-day gap PSG enjoyed before heading to Villa Park. He emphasized that both teams are used to playing frequently, and he didn’t consider PSG’s rest to be a significant factor.
In a light-hearted exchange with the press, Emery was asked about PSG’s perceived vulnerability at set pieces, having conceded seven goals from such situations in Ligue 1. With a smile, Emery responded cautiously, suggesting that if he spoke too much about PSG’s weaknesses, the French side might be motivated to perform even better. He acknowledged that PSG has been successful in limiting set-piece opportunities for opponents, adding that their defensive discipline has minimized threats in this area.
As the second leg approaches, all eyes will be on Villa Park to see if Emery’s belief in his team’s ability to write their own history proves to be the catalyst for a thrilling comeback.
