Ollie Watkins has revealed that Unai Emery’s uncharacteristic calmness on the day of the final was key to Aston Villa’s Europa League victory over Freiburg. The Villans secured a 4-0 win at the Besiktas Stadium, ending a three-decade trophy drought.
Goals from Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendia, Morgan Rogers and Watkins himself sealed the win. Emery, who claimed his fifth Europa League title, was praised by Watkins for his relaxed demeanour in the build-up, saying it set the tone for the players.
“He was really calm today. Sometimes in league games he's anxious because he wants to get the win, but today he was calm and that set the tone for us boys,” Watkins told TNT Sports.
John McGinn also lauded the manager, saying: “With this manager in charge, anything is possible.” Watkins highlighted the importance of set pieces, crediting set-piece coach Austin MacPhee for the courage to leave four players up at a corner, which led to Tielemans’ opener.
“Until then it was a bit cagey, they were going man for man. Fair play to Austin for having the courage. We left four up on a corner,” Watkins said. He described the experience as “unbelievable” and “what you dream of”, adding that reaching the Champions League made it even more special.
