Aston Villa: Europa League semi-final represents squad’s defining moment
Villa’s disastrous 2-1 defeat at home to Tottenham on Sunday – their third successive defeat – did not provide them with the ideal platform, even as Emery made eight changes.
This highlighted the lack of depth in the squad; Emi Martinez, Matty Cash, Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers were seen as first-choice starters in Sunday’s XI.
But Emery has won the admiration of at least two fellow Premier League managers who have been particularly impressed with the decisions he has made – his clear focus on his biggest game for the club – and how he has stuck to his strategy.
He has won the Europa League a record four times – three times with Sevilla and once with Villarreal – and those close to Emery expect to see a performance different from Sunday’s capitulation.
When asked if this was the last chance for this team to win something, Emery said: “We are improving, myself included, and we will have more challenges for today or the future.”
“I don’t think tomorrow is the last opportunity for us or anyone. The players are enjoying what we’re doing and they know how difficult football is and this is the best moment we’ve had in the last three years.
“It won’t disrupt anything about how we think and try to improve.”
While Emery believes they can achieve success with football beyond this season and in the Champions League (Villa must finish in the top five in the Premier League regardless of their European fate), some changes are expected.
The squad needs to be renewed and selling players is the easiest way to comply with the rules; English striker Morgan Rogers is their biggest asset.
The need for significant recycling was recognized and Emery had been aware of what needed to be done since the opening month of the season.
He and head of football operations Roberto Olabe agree but Olabe was brought in to help Villa progress further in the medium and long term.
Going forward there will be more focus on youth players and any necessary gaps in the first team will be filled with more senior signings, but Emery, like any manager, wants players who are ready now.
The pair are very close – Emery selected Olabe over Monchi in September – so common ground is found and the pair spend hours talking tactics and philosophies, the conversations often starting in the club’s canteen on Bodymoor Heath.
But the new players’ desire to take Villa to the next level is the toughest task.
