Aston Villa will step onto the European final stage for the first time in 44 years on Wednesday, with manager Unai Emery hoping to use his vast experience to guide the club to UEFA Europa League glory against German side SC Freiburg in Istanbul.
For Emery, the final represents familiar territory. The Spanish tactician has already managed in five Europa League finals, winning four titles, three with Sevilla FC and another with Villarreal CF. His only defeat in the competition’s final came during his time at Arsenal FC in 2019.
Villa striker Ollie Watkins praised Emery’s impact at the club, describing the transformation under the manager as remarkable.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Unai Emery,” Watkins said ahead of the final. “The belief he has brought to the team and the football we are playing have completely changed the club.”
Villa head into the encounter in strong form after a dominant 4-0 semi-final victory over Nottingham Forest at Villa Park, a performance Watkins described as “almost perfect.”
The final marks Aston Villa’s first major European final since their famous 1982 European Cup triumph over FC Bayern Munich. The club has already secured UEFA Champions League qualification for next season after finishing in the Premier League top five, but lifting the Europa League trophy would crown what has already been a memorable campaign.
Watkins admitted the occasion would be special for the squad, many of whom are preparing for their first major European final together.
“We know what we have to do,” the England forward said. “Everyone is excited, and hopefully we can bring the trophy back to Birmingham.”
Emery, meanwhile, described the final as another important step in Villa’s long-term project. He noted that previous European disappointments, including their 2024 UEFA Conference League semi-final exit to Olympiacos F.C., helped prepare the team for moments like this.
“It would be another step forward,” Emery said. “Playing for a trophy is part of our development and our journey. It’s going to be a special day.”
Victory in Istanbul would not only deliver Villa’s first European silverware in decades but also further cement Emery’s reputation as one of the Europa League’s greatest managers.