Aston Villa will be competing in the Champions League next season after Tottenham’s defeat to Manchester City guaranteed their top-four finish.
Thanks to Tottenham’s 2-0 loss against Manchester City in the Premier League, Aston Villa now have a clear path to finishing fourth in the EPL.
This will allow them to compete in the Champions League for the first time in their history.
Since the rebranding of the European Cup to the Champions League in 1991-92, Villa have not been able to qualify for the Champions League competition.
The last time they participated in the European Cup was 41 years ago, 1982-83 season, a season after they emerged as champions in the 1981/82 season.
However, things have turned out for good for the Birmingham club under the guidance of manager Unai Emery.
Since Emery’s appointment in October 2022, Aston Villa, who were sitting in 14th place in the Premier League, just three points above the relegation zone, have seen a remarkable transformation in their fortunes.
Emery has implemented a tactical approach that has seen the team perform consistently well throughout the season.
Emery’s ability to motivate and inspire the players has been crucial in Aston Villa’s success which is evident in their comeback from a 3-1 deficit against Liverpool on Monday, May 13, to secure a crucial point.
The opportunity to play in the Champions League will not only be a great achievement for Aston Villa but will also provide the club with increased exposure and financial benefits.
This success will undoubtedly attract top players and help the team strengthen their squad for future competitions.
Unai Emery’s achievements as a football manager
Unai Emery is a highly successful football manager known for his tactical acumen and man-management skills.
The Spanish tactician has a reputation for developing young talents and improving teams defensively, with a strong focus on tactics and preparation.
The 52-year-old Spaniard led Sevilla to three consecutive Europa League titles from 2014 to 2016, becoming the first manager to win the competition three times in a row.
He also guided Paris Saint-Germain to a domestic treble in the 2017-18 season, winning the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and Coupe de la Ligue.
In addition, Emery won the UEFA Europa League with Arsenal in the 2018-19 season, defeating Chelsea in the final.
What’s next?
Aston Villa will wrap up their Premier League campaign in an away match against Crystal Palace on Monday, May 19.
Despite the lack of importance in the upcoming game, there is still a sense of pride and determination within the team to finish the season strong.
Emery’s focus on ending the season on a high note reflects Villa’s ambition and drive to make a landmark in the 2024/25 Champions League campaign.
