MOUSSA’S READY FOR EURO FIGHT
MOUSSA DIABY says Aston Villa’s fight for Champions League football is still on.
The French international came out swinging after helping put Ajax to the sword and says Unai Emery’s squad still believe they are right in the mix.
Positive results for English teams in Europe have changed UEFA’S coefficients – the measure used to grant clubs access to the Champions League.
That means fifth might be good enough, after all, to cement a spot in a competition Villa have never qualified for.
Despite last week’s defeat to Spurs delivering a body punch – it was by no means a knockout and Diaby said: “The fight isn’t finished.
“There are 10 games more. We will be fighting in every game to stay in our position and get more points.”
Villa head to the London Stadium without skipper John Mcginn (above) who picked up a red card for a momentary rush of blood when he clattered into Destiny Udogie against Ange
Postecoglou’s side. With several other players carrying knocks – defender Diego Carlos suffered a hamstring injury against Ajax – Emery has to swap and change his resources. Diaby added: “It’s true that John’s not playing but we have other good players. “John is our captain and plays well every game. For sure, we will miss him but we have other players who can play in that position and we can trust them to play well at West Ham. “We can go there to win and fight for the Champions League.” Diaby’s season started with a bang when he netted for Villa at Newcastle United on the opening day. He was the club record signing when Emery agreed to hand over £51.6million to Bayer Leverkusen for his services last summer. Manager and player had worked together before – at Paris St-germain – but while Leon Bailey’s form has rocketed, Diaby’s has plateaued. He showed glimpses of a return to form against Ajax and netted the final goal in the 4-0 win. However, Diaby (left) has been called into the France squad for the up-coming internationals by boss Didier Deschamps. The former World Cup winning skipper and manager has been quizzed about Diaby’s inclusion and replied that this was his chance to see if he could cut it. The goal against Jordan Henderson & Co appears to have come at the right time. Asked if it had been tough, Diaby said: “Football is like this, sometimes you play, sometimes you don’t. “My team-mates always play well so I have to stay focused and be ready when the coach needs me. “I have to be ready to play and put in a good performance. “I’m always confident. I’m not the kind of guy who stays down on the ground. I always want to push and help.”