Unai Emery doubles down on Aston Villa future Champions League determination
Unai Emery has been lauded as the Premier League’s top boss ahead of his four-year Villa anniversary - and he is determined to keep the club at the top table of European football.
Villa boss Unai Emery insists his biggest driver is to bring the club regular Champions League football each season.
Emery marks four years in charge at Villa Park on Saturday, when his side lock horns with Premier League leaders Manchester City, who were last month found guilty of 114 financial chargers.
The Spanish boss has an exemplary record in European football over his career - having never missed out on qualification for continental competition - and he admits the lofty task of leading Villa into the Champions League every season remains is a burning desire.
“The future is to keep this consistency, playing in Europe for me is very special,” Emery said. “I have played 17 years in a row playing in Europe when I’ve coached teams.
“This makes me so proud and makes me want to challenge even mire. Then to play in the Premier League, this is the most difficult in the world.
“We spoke to the players on Thursday and this is ‘wow’.
“We’re in the Champions League on Wednesday, now it’s Manchester City. How we can have higher challenges than this is very difficult.
“I had a conversation with (Pep) Guardiola two years ago and he told me how challenging this league is.
“To play Europe is something that can give you prestige as a club - you can transmit a lot of things by playing in other countries.”
Emery, who has been mentioned in speculation to the Manchester United job amid pressure on Michael Carrick, added: “Going forward, improving, getting better - and Champions League is our priority, but to play there every season is very difficult.
“We have got top four twice - and the players must be on the same page to work for the objectives.”