Unai Emery issues clear message ahead of Southampton clash: “No Excuses”

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has issued a clear and focused message to his players ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash with Southampton. With just seven games remaining in the season, Villa remain firmly in the hunt for a top-five finish — and Emery insists there’s no room for complacency.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Emery underlined the importance of maintaining momentum following the club’s recent success in European competition. Despite Villa’s involvement in the Champions League and FA Cup, the Spanish manager was adamant that the Premier League remains the club’s number one priority.
“We are enjoying the Champions League and preparing for the FA Cup semi-final, but the Premier League is the most important competition,” Emery said. “If we are not performing well tomorrow, we are at risk. There are no excuses.”

Maintaining Focus After a Big Week
Villa secured three consecutive league wins before this fixture, climbing closer to a Champions League qualification spot. A victory over already-relegated Southampton at St. Mary’s would move them back into the top five — a major step in achieving the club’s European ambitions.

However, Emery dismissed the idea that facing a side already relegated guarantees an easy match. He explained that every opponent must be treated with respect, regardless of their position in the table.
“Even the losing teams don’t lose every match,” he noted. “If you are not ready, you can lose any game. That’s the truth.” Emery's comments reflect his desire to keep standards high and avoid any drop-off in performance, especially with so much still to play for.

Leon Bailey and Squad Fitness
The Villa boss also provided a fitness update on winger Leon Bailey, who has been working toward a return to the squad. Emery revealed Bailey is progressing well and could potentially feature against Southampton or in the following match on Tuesday.
“Leon is progressing and getting better,” Emery said. “Maybe he can work with the group today. If not, then hopefully he’ll be ready for Tuesday.” While Emery acknowledged the physical and mental demands of juggling multiple competitions, he made it clear that the players cannot use that as a reason for underperformance in the league.
“It’s not an excuse. We have made that mistake before. But now we are fully focused, and we know what is at stake.”

Champions League the Ultimate Goal
Villa’s objective this season remains clear: return to European competition — and if possible, earn a place in next season’s Champions League. Emery confirmed that the team is still targeting the top five and that they are not setting a fixed points total to qualify. Instead, he urged his players to take each match as it comes.
“We don’t know what the exact number of points will be. But we have to keep winning. If we had lost our last few matches, we wouldn’t even be in this conversation. Now we are here — and we must stay here.”

Building a Winning Mentality
Finally, Emery reflected on the mentality shift he has tried to bring to the club since his appointment. Known for his demanding standards and clear structure, the manager acknowledged that Villa’s owners brought him in to raise expectations — and he’s determined to deliver.
“They chose me because of my ambition and record,” he said. “If I don’t meet those expectations, I will lose my job. I’ve always been driven to win, and that’s the culture I want to instill in the players and the club.” With the business end of the season in full swing, Emery’s message was unmistakable: every game matters, and there is still everything to play for.