Unai Emery has set his ambitions on steering Aston Villa towards their first FA Cup victory since 1957, while also looking to wrap up the season on a high by clinching qualification for the Champions League.
The pursuit of a top-five finish in the Premier League will take a back seat as Villa prepare to face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley on Saturday.
Emery is keen to put an end to Villa’s 29-year wait for silverware, which extends back to their triumph in the 1996 League Cup, all while ensuring the club’s European aspirations remain alive.
When asked if securing the FA Cup for the first time in 68 years outweighs Champions League qualification, Emery replied to reporters: “At the season’s outset, we aim to set objectives across four competitions: the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.
“Currently, we are still in two competitions. Our focus is on each match, aiming for our best performance, and securing our place in Europe is a clear objective for us.
“The primary route to Europe is through the Premier League, but winning the FA Cup is also a pathway to glory.
“Right now, we cannot prioritise one competition over the other. We are fully committed to both as we seek a positive conclusion to our season.”
The FA Cup offers Emery a chance to secure his first trophy in English football, and defeating Palace would secure Villa’s first final appearance since 2015.
“As a coach, my goal upon arriving here was to win some trophies,” he stated.
“We have a chance because we are in the semi-final, but there’s a significant amount of work still to be done.
“In my experience, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that it’s all about the journey, not just the destination.”
“I wish to savour the semi-final experience, including the journey to London, the togetherness we will share, the match preparation, and the atmosphere at Wembley.”
Emery’s previous stint at Wembley as a manager was with Arsenal, where he faced Tottenham during a league match while Spurs’ new stadium was under construction.
“I enjoy it, and tomorrow I will relish it. Of course, I carry a massive responsibility to respond appropriately alongside the players,” he remarked about returning to the iconic venue.
“However, I am truly excited about the matches like this one and the possibilities that lie ahead.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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