Emery targets Europa League success as Villa reset title expectations

Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has openly acknowledged that a Premier League title push is unrealistic this season, instead setting his sights firmly on Europa League success as Villa progress into the knockout stages.

Villa secured a place in the last 16 with a narrow 1–0 win away to Fenerbahçe, guaranteeing a top-eight finish in the league phase with a match to spare. The result followed a disappointing 1–0 home defeat to Everton in the league, after which Emery conceded Villa are “not top-five contenders” domestically.

With qualification for next season’s Champions League via the league looking increasingly difficult, winning the Europa League could represent Villa’s most realistic route back into Europe’s top competition.

Emery, a four-time Europa League winner, made his ambitions clear after the win in Istanbul.

“We have clear objectives in this competition — to be a contender for a trophy,” he said. “Through our league it is very difficult. I am dreaming of being here getting trophies, and the Europa is one objective we have this year.”

The match marked Emery’s 100th game as a manager in the competition, underlining his pedigree at this level. His previous triumphs came with Sevilla and Villarreal, where he built a reputation as a specialist in European knockout football.

Despite Sunday’s defeat to Everton, Villa’s overall form has been impressive. They have won 20 of their last 25 matches across all competitions, a record bettered only by Arsenal among clubs in Europe’s top five leagues during that period.

Emery rotated heavily in Turkey, making six changes, yet Villa dominated proceedings. The 1–0 scoreline flattered the hosts, with Villa controlling large spells and showing clear intent to take the competition seriously.

“I’m so, so happy with the response,” Emery said. “The players respected the competition.”

The decisive goal came from Jadon Sancho, who scored his first Villa goal on his 19th appearance since joining on loan from Manchester United in September.

“It’s nice to have a manager that backs you and believes in you,” Sancho said. “He just tells me to be positive. Every opportunity I get, I try to give 100%.”

While Sancho has started only two Premier League matches, he has featured regularly in the Europa League, starting Villa’s last five games in the competition.

Villa’s rotation in Istanbul was also aided by players returning to fitness. Tyrone Mings made his first start since November following a thigh injury, while Amadou Onana returned with a late cameo after recovering from a hamstring problem.

Despite securing progression early, Emery still used key players, with Ollie Watkins completing the full 90 minutes and Morgan Rogers playing over an hour, underlining Villa’s intent to maintain momentum.

“We are building the team with some circumstances not helping us,” Emery told TNT Sports. “Next week the transfer window closes and hopefully we can get everything we need to complete the squad.”

Villa’s focus now turns to balancing domestic consistency with a serious Europa League campaign. By finishing in the top eight, they avoid a February play-off and gain valuable recovery time during a congested schedule.

With Emery’s track record and a squad nearing full fitness, Villa appear well placed to mount a deep run — and perhaps turn ambition into silverware.

Can Unai Emery guide Aston Villa to Europa League glory once again?