Unai Emery believes Aston Villa can stage a remarkable comeback against PSG

Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, is confident that his team can mount a remarkable comeback in the Champions League as they prepare to host Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of their quarter-final on Tuesday, with the visitors holding a 3-1 advantage.

Although Villa secured a crucial away goal at the Parc des Princes last week, they were effectively outmatched by PSG, a team that has consistently demonstrated their dominance under coach Luis Enrique.

Exceptional goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia set PSG on their way, with Nuno Mendes striking a potentially decisive third goal in stoppage time.

However, the challenge ahead for Villa is undeniably steep.

PSG have triumphed in 17 of their last 18 matches across all competitions, with their only defeat being a narrow 1-0 loss to Liverpool at home in the Champions League round of 16, a result they successfully overturned at Anfield.

They have managed to avoid losing by more than one goal since October and have been bested just once in 47 games this season.

Nonetheless, Emery draws on his prior experience as the boss at PSG, understanding the possibilities within the intense atmosphere of knockout stages in the Champions League.

In a stunning comeback of historic proportions, Luis Enrique’s Barcelona overturned a 4-0 deficit against Emery’s PSG in 2017, winning 6-1.

Now, the tables have turned as Emery aims for an iconic turnaround to extend Villa’s stint in European football’s premier competition since the 1982/83 season.

“We’re looking forward to a very special experience for both our supporters and ourselves at Villa Park on Tuesday,” he expressed.

“We have the chance and opportunity to challenge PSG and attempt a comeback. Admittedly, it will be tough, but we need to channel our strength at home and prepare thoroughly for the match.

“We need to convey our energy and harness the supporters’ enthusiasm to play our best football.”

“When we play our best football this season, we’re capable of anything.”

Bolstered Squad

Villa are enjoying a strong run as they stay in contention across three competitions as the season nears its conclusion.

Emery’s squad recently secured a 3-0 victory at Southampton, bringing them within a point of Champions League qualification in the Premier League, and they are set to face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals later this month.

The January acquisitions of Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, Donyell Malen, and Axel Disasi have significantly enhanced the overall quality of Emery’s squad.

This depth was highlighted as all three goals during the weekend’s match came from substitutes: Ollie Watkins, Malen, and John McGinn.

“At the start of the season, we didn’t earn many points due to a lack of depth on the bench,” Emery noted.

“The four players we brought in during the transfer window have made a tremendous difference and greatly increased our competitiveness, enabling us to secure crucial points.”

Emery is also optimistic that the Villa Park crowd will enhance the home side’s performance on Tuesday evening.

Villa have not tasted defeat at home in the Premier League or Champions League since a 2-0 loss to Arsenal in August, who could potentially await the winners in the semi-finals.

“We must share our momentum with our supporters at Villa Park on Tuesday; it’s always incredibly special,” Emery stated.

“We need to capture a forceful, positive energy on the pitch and throughout the stadium. Let’s enjoy the moment, play, and strive to showcase our best football to edge closer to our ambitions in the Champions League.”