A DREAM EMERY
Champions League just amazing for Villa boss
UNAI EMERY told Aston Villa’s supporters that dreams do come true after their Champions League qualification.
Villa’s boss was at the club’s awards dinner when news of Manchester City’s win over Spurs seeped out.
Emery was given a rapturous reception and spoke of the “amazing” experience of playing in a competition in which he has extensive experience.
He had no difficulty selling that dream – and said that if Villa wanted to repeat their famous victory in 1982 they had to be in it, to win it. The Spaniard said: “This is a very special day.
It’s our dream, it was our dream – when we started the season – to be here.
“To play the Champions League is, after the Premier League, the best.
“You can play in the Premier League against the best teams in the world, it’s very difficult.
“When you are playing in the Champions League you are playing against the best teams, at the same time, from other countries. And it’s amazing.
“And we are always responsible about the history here, we know the history of Aston Villa is so long and so successful.
“Even in the Champions League, before it was the European Cup, we knew the responsibility was to try to increase our level, try to be demanding and to dream.
“And now to win the Champions League like Aston Villa did in 1982, if we are there and we are in, then it’s more easy than if we are not.
“It’s another dream and the most important (thing) is to have dreams and try to work hard for it.”
Skipper John McGinn went on a trip down memory lane as he addressed the club’s guests.
It is five years since Villa returned to the Premier League after a play-off final success over Derby.
McGinn said: “We got promoted, we got into the Premier League and were seven points behind with four games to play, we managed to stay in the league.
“We kept building and thankfully we’ve achieved something we haven’t done for 40 years.
“So, on behalf of all the players and staff, we’re over the moon, we’re delighted.”
Villa now travel to Crystal Palace this weekend with the top four secured.
But it appears that Emery has already moved on from his side’s incredible feat.
He added: “Now the new challenge starts for us ahead of next year.
“To build again a team, being strong to go and always increase our level.”