Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League journey hangs in the balance as they face a daunting task against Olympiakos in the second leg of their semi-final tie. With a deficit of 4-2 from the first leg at Villa Park, manager Unai Emery acknowledges the magnitude of the challenge ahead, labeling it as the “biggest game of the season.”
Emery stressed the importance of improvement, recognizing the need for Villa to raise their game significantly to overturn the deficit. However, he also highlighted the formidable atmosphere awaiting his side in Piraeus, emphasizing the difficulty of the task at hand.
The uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeping situation adds another layer of complexity to Villa’s preparations. With first-choice goalkeeper Emi Martinez’s availability uncertain, Robin Olsen may once again deputize between the posts. Emery expressed confidence in Olsen’s abilities, acknowledging his professionalism and resilience despite the challenging circumstances.
While Villa’s focus remains on advancing in the Europa Conference League, Emery affirmed that their season’s success should not be solely defined by this competition. With a potential Champions League qualification through a top-four Premier League finish within reach, Emery stressed the need to maintain perspective and pride in their overall achievements.