Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has dismissed suggestions that Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest will define his side's season, insisting that failure to win the trophy would not represent a setback for the club.
Emery Rejects 'Defining Moment' Narrative
Villa head into the second leg at Villa Park trailing 1-0 after a narrow defeat at the City Ground last week, where Chris Wood's penalty proved decisive. With the team having lost their last three matches and facing a summer of transition, some observers have suggested this could mark the end of a cycle for Emery's squad, which previously reached a Europa Conference League semi-final and a Champions League quarter-final.
However, the Spaniard, who was appointed as pre-season favourite to lift the Europa League for a fifth time, remains defiant. Speaking at a press conference, he said: "We are usually getting higher level with the club, with the players. We are improving – myself as well."
Emery added: "We will have after tomorrow our way to set more challenges for the present or future. I don't think tomorrow is the last opportunity for us or for anyone."
The Villa boss stressed the progress made over the past three years, saying: "The players of course they are enjoying the process we are doing. They are aware about the difficulties of football, but how the greatest moment we are having here in Aston Villa the last three years and we can smile and be proud of everything."
No Failure in Missing Out on Trophy
Emery was keen to manage expectations, noting: "To achieve the semi-final is a huge achievement. Winning a trophy is very difficult. Very, very, very difficult. It's not a defeat if we are not achieving a trophy."
He acknowledged the odds are stacked against his side, having previously estimated a 25 per cent chance of winning the competition before the first leg. "Now it's maybe less because we started losing. We have 50 per cent or maybe less to play the final. This is football and you must respect every competition and in Europe you must respect each team."
Emery labelled Nottingham Forest as the favourites for the second leg, given their 1-0 advantage and an unbeaten run of 10 games in all competitions. "Tomorrow, this match is special. It's different. We are playing in Villa Park. They have the advantage. For this reason for me they are the favourites."
Team News and Preparations
Villa were booed off after a disappointing home defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, a match in which Emery made seven changes with Thursday's game in mind. Captain John McGinn missed that fixture with a knock but has returned to training and is expected to be available.
Emery confirmed: "He trained normally and if nothing changes he'll be available."
However, midfielder Amadou Onana remains a doubt after picking up an injury in the first leg, while Ross Barkley and Alysson are ineligible for the tie.
Despite the challenges, Emery urged his players to seize the moment: "We have a huge opportunity to enjoy momentum, to enjoy competing."
