This season, Aston Villa had a taste of life in Europe. Although their Europa Conference League campaign was ultimately futile, their domestic football has equipped them with the tools they need to step things up on the continent.
Villa was assured of a spot in the Champions League for the following season after Tottenham Hotspur’s upset of Man City.
Although there is one thing to be cautious about, it’s a fair reward for all of the hard work that Unai Emery, Monchi, and the first team group have put in over the last 18 months.
Collymore: Villa must make a move
One may argue that the extraordinary number of injuries sustained by their players was largely due to European competition.
If Villa want to compete well, they need a deeper squad, but that comes with a price tag, and given the current state of affairs, it seems unlikely that they will make a lot of new players.
Emery also hopes that their Premier League goals won’t be derailed by their Champions League obligations.
Nevertheless, former Villa striker Stan Collymore has advised the team to seize its opportunities in Europe.
“As an ex-professional, I don’t buy into this ‘I’d rather play in the Conference League or the Europa League’ mentality since that’s typically a pretext used by teams that are hesitant to make significant progress. In his exclusive column for CaughtOffside, he stated, “European football is great, but make no mistake—the financial uplift, the global stage, the ability to be able to get better players, to tie down your better players—all of a sudden becomes it infinitely easier.” Eighteen months ago, Villa were headed towards relegation under Steven Gerrard.
It is not necessary for players to search elsewhere when they are in the Champions League. If they’re not heading to Manchester City, who are almost a lock to win a trophy, then what good is it? Why would athletes wish to play for Manchester United or Liverpool? Some teams are in transition and won’t be able to provide Champions League football the following season.
“I think it’s crucial for Aston Villa to qualify for the Champions League, and if we use this terrible term ‘branding and marketing,’ the team can reestablish connections with the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australasia, among other regions. “Aston Villa?,” someone will ask. They are people I know. That’s the team Tom Hanks is a supporter of. It has a significant impact.
Villa owns the fourth most money in the world, but you can’t just go out and squander half a billion pounds, even though that’s what Villa would do if they could. We’re not talking about 37- or 38-year-olds like Thiago Silva and company; instead, I’d like them to search around and acquire three, four, or five players who understand what the Champions League is all about.
“Monchi and his team have done an excellent job in terms of hiring, so I’m very comfortable with them, but they’re going to need to step it up now. Seize the opportunity to represent your club in the Champions League if you have one. I’m ecstatic.
Unai Emery is renowned for being forensic in every facet of his administration, and once his opponents in the Champions League are revealed, neither he nor his backroom staff will spare any detail.
It’s evident that Villa is a team and club on the rise since celebrities like Prince William and Tom Hanks have been to games at Villa Park, which is currently packed for the majority of home games.
The cherry on top will be a strong showing in the Champions League the following year.