Aston Villa are battling on two fronts as they edge towards a historic season.
Unai Emery‘s side are currently fourth in the Premier League and in pole position to secure a Champions League place.
The Villans are also gearing up for a Europa Conference League semi-final against Greek side Olympiacos as they look to secure their place in the final in Athens.
With Villa not being used to having to balance two competitions at this stage of the season, their squad is being tested.
So far, though, Emery’s side are facing up to that test, although the injuries are starting to pile up slightly.
The Villa manager is determined not to allow excuses to be made for his side and speaking to the media ahead of the Olympiacos match Emery spoke on how he views each competition.
Unai Emery clear that Premier League is priority
Villa are favourites to win the Europa Conference League.
To add to that, Emery has real pedigree in Europe, having won the Europa League three times in a row with Sevilla before also lifting the trophy with Villarreal.
Asked by the media if the challenge of securing top four alongside Villa’s European exploits means the Spaniard is prioritising one competition over the other, Emery emphatically responded: “No way.”
However, the 52-year-old did elaborate on his answer in a way that suggests the Premier League still holds greater significance.
Emery said: “The first objective is the Premier League but we are not refusing the Premier League and we are playing both in each competition. My idea is to keep going in our development after Conference League and Premier League.”
He addd: “We are very excited about the Conference League, we are very motivated with the Premier League.
“It’s not changing my first message when we started the season – the most important in 38 matches is the Premier League – then we can add FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Conference League.
“Then, like we are now, being contenders in the Conference League, the importance is changing.”
Emery has already secured Europa League football at minimum
Villa’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Saturday evening was significant as it meant that the midlands club are guaranteed to be playing in the Europa League at the very least.
Whilst Villa were disappointed to throw away a two goal lead and have to settle for a point, this is a significant milestone.
Emery only has eyes for the Champions League with three league games remaining, but the fact the club will finish at least fifth in the Premier League highlights the progression that his side is making.
It is an incredibly exciting time to be a fan of the Villa Park club and there could yet be a European final to look forward to.
