Unai Emery Confident of Aston Villa's Chances Ahead of Crucial Monaco Clash

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says his team is 'very motivated' to secure a last-16 spot in the Champions League as they prepare to face Monaco on Tuesday.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is eager for his team to secure direct qualification for the Champions League last 16, and he believes they are “very motivated” to achieve this goal. With two matches remaining, Villa are well-positioned to finish in the top eight, currently sitting fifth on 13 points.

As Villa prepare to face Monaco on Tuesday, Emery recognizes the importance of the match. Monaco, also vying to avoid the new knock-out play-off round, currently sits on 10 points, despite suffering back-to-back Champions League defeats. The principality club will be looking to rebound, making the clash a crucial one for both teams.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery emphasized the significance of competing in the Champions League, given the club's 42-year absence from the competition. Emery expressed his team's motivation, stating, “I think we are very motivated playing in the Champions League because the club didn't play in it for a long time. We want to compete, to compete trying to be a protagonist in this competition.” With 13 points and two matches remaining, Emery believes Villa have a crucial opportunity to secure their spot in the top eight. He noted, “We have a very huge opportunity arriving here to play day seven with 13 points. I think we need three or four more points to get the top eight. Our target is to be in the top eight and tomorrow is the key.”

Villa's recent form has been impressive, with three consecutive wins in all competitions followed by a comeback draw against Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday. Former Monaco midfielder Youri Tielemans played a pivotal role in the fightback, scoring Villa's first goal. Emery praised Tielemans' dedication and focus, saying, “He's always ready to play, he's always focusing each match and competing in his thoughts 100 percent to improve and help the team to follow our message.” Tielemans has started every Premier League and Champions League game for Villa this season, demonstrating his importance to the team.

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Monaco, on the other hand, has experienced a decline in form, with only one victory in their last eight games. Their sole win during this period came against amateur side Saint-Jean in the French Cup last month. Monaco striker Breel Embolo acknowledged the team's struggles, saying, “We have to show that we are the same team from two or three months ago. Tomorrow's Champions League match is another opportunity to show our qualities.”