‘It is very difficult to win this trophy’published at 19:40 BST
Aston Villa v Bologna (20:00 BST, 3-1 agg)
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery speaking to TNT Sports: “We are so, so respectful with them because they showed us their capacity to go for this title and to go a long way like we are expecting. We achieved a good result there but it is not done and how they are playing and performing, we have massive respect. Today, I know it is going to be difficult and we must play extending our game plan like we did in their stadium and today of course here with our great, great atmosphere here with our supporters, we are confident but so, so respectful.
On Emi Martinez starting in goal: “So, so happy with Marco [Bizot], he is a great guy and very good professional. Always ready to play and when he is playing because for some circumstances [Emi] is not available, or even in the last moment like the last match [when Martinez withdrew in the warm-up], Marco is always ready and performing fantastically and of course we are so happy with him.”
On controlling his emotions in big moments: “We have our own experiences in Europe. Two years ago, we were doing our debut in Europe in the Conference League and we achieved the semi-final here against Olympiacos and we remind ourselves what we did two years ago, how we lost the semi-final, how we did last year in the Champions League when we lost in the quarter-finals against PSG. Everything we are learning in our process, we are trying to remind ourselves and be very demanding and consistent to achieve things. Very difficult match tonight. This is the competitive way we are building here. We are excited, motivated and we are aware of how we can control our emotions.”
On how special it would be to end the season with a trophy: “It is a way to win a trophy and a way to get into the Champions League. It is very difficult to win this trophy. Today is the moment and we must enjoy today. I have won [the Europa League] three times and I know how difficult it is.”
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