Aston Villa boss Emery: ECL semi exciting moment for club

Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery was asked about the importance of Conference League glory.

The Spaniard has won the Europa League on four occasions in his managerial career.

However, he will be hoping to lead Villa to their first European trophy in decades.

On the importance of the semifinals against Olympiacos, he stated: "You know because always I speaking about it in Europe. My first objective to get in Europe with Villa. Last year we did a very big effort to achieve the Europa Conference League. We are now enjoying it and testing it, how difficult Europe is. Even in the Europa Conference League and when a team's level is less than us.

"We lost in Warsaw and were then close to drawing with Zrinjski here at Villa Park. We also drew in Zrinjski. Against Ajax, we played very well at home, but the first leg in Amsterdam we struggled and we drew. In Lille, it was similar.

"Of course, this is Europe. My experience is that this is very difficult. The level is different, but all the teams are very motivated. We are the only team left in Europe from England and our league is the toughest in Europe. We have to be 100 per cent prepared and to play in Europe is always a difficult challenge too.

"Our first experiences with our players in Europe, I feel that we are building a good connection and we are enjoying it too. Tomorrow, the semi-final is again, for us, a very exciting moment."

Aston Villa boss Emery: ECL semi exciting moment for club

Aston Villa boss Emery: ECL semi exciting moment for club

Aston Villa boss Emery: ECL semi exciting moment for club

Aston Villa boss Emery: ECL semi exciting moment for club

Aston Villa boss Emery: ECL semi exciting moment for club