‘We haven’t had our Vill’ just yet’
UNAI Emery says a Euro-knockback won’t deflect from Aston Villa’s ‘amazing’ season.
Villa’s boss was on the front foot despite the shock 4-2 home defeat by Olympiakos as he contemplated sealing fourth spot in the Premier League this weekend.
Defeat for Spurs at Liverpool, coupled with a victory for Emery’s men at the Amex over Brighton will seal a Champions League berth.
While there was an air of deflation surrounding Villa Park following the defeat to the Greek side, Emery said it should not take anything away from their marked improvement this season.
“For next year, we know we are in the Europa League,” he said, “we’re fighting with Tottenham for fourth and to get into the Champions League.
“It would be amazing if we were to do it. We have important matches ahead of us.
“We are growing up as a club, as coaches, as employees, and players with the supporters and we have to be stronger in everything and keep that mentality for a long time.”
Emery (above) enjoyed his biggest victory in charge at Villa in the corresponding fixture earlier this season as the hosts ran out 6-1 winners.
Structure
Regardless of this, he remains a fan of the Seagulls, saying: “When I started in the Premier League, they were in the Championship. They were getting better. They have a very good structure.
“They sell players, buy players to develop. They always have good coaches. They have a nice style, a beautiful style. Even me, I like watching Brighton.
“You can always learn something from them.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Douglas Luiz apologised for being at fault over the handball that handed Olympiakos the initiative on Thursday night.
The Brazil international then missed a penalty to put the squeeze on the visitors in the late stages.
He said: “I wasn’t happy with my handball. I saw the picture — it was a clear penalty.
“Then, I missed one as well.
“I need to train more with the penalties — and change my hand — and try to be positive.
“It was the first one I missed.
“And I know I didn’t need to say sorry to the fans afterwards, but at the same time if I was a fan, I would hope a player did this. “I think about myself as one of them.”
Ahead of the big clash tomorrow, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi would like veteran pair James Milner and Adam Lallana to remain part of Brighton’s playing squad next season.
The contracts of the two former England internationals are set to expire in the summer.
De Zerbi revealed forward Danny Welbeck is “very close” to extending his Seagulls contract.
Milner (38) whose existing deal includes the option for a further 12 months, has been sidelined since January due to injury.
Midfielder Lallana (35) has joined his former Liverpool teammate on Albion’s lengthy injury list ahead of tomorrow’s game at home to Villa.
Half of his 24 top-flight appearances this term have come as a substitute.
“They are both important players,” said De Zerbi.
Brighton’s quest for a second season of European football is realistically over after last weekend’s 3-0 loss at Bournemouth extended their winless run to six top-flight matches.