Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins praised Unai Emery’s European expertise after the Spanish manager guided the club into the Europa League final with a commanding 4-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Villa Park on Thursday.
Villa had gone into the semi-final second leg under pressure after losing the first leg 1-0 at the City Ground, but Emery’s side responded with one of their most complete performances of the season. Goals from Watkins and Emiliano Buendia put the home side in control before captain John McGinn scored twice to complete a memorable night in Birmingham.
The result sealed Villa’s place in the final, where they will face Bundesliga side Freiburg in Istanbul on May 20. Victory there would give the club their first major trophy since 1996 and their first European title in 44 years.
Watkins, who helped set the tone with a decisive attacking display, said Villa could not have a better manager leading them into such a crucial occasion.
“There is no better manager to get us prepared for this game and obviously take us into the final as well. His track record speaks for itself,” Watkins said.
“We are in a great position, but we need to go there and win now.”
Emery’s reputation in the competition gives Villa extra confidence heading into the final. The former Sevilla, Villarreal, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain boss has won the Europa League four times — three with Sevilla and once with Villarreal — and will now take charge in the final for a sixth time.
Villa captain McGinn also credited Emery’s experience and leadership, saying the manager had helped the squad handle the pressure of a European semi-final.
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“He’s experienced a lot more European semi-finals than us. He’s been amazing,” McGinn said.
Villa’s emphatic win was even more impressive given their recent struggles. Emery’s side had lost their previous three matches in all competitions, including the first-leg defeat to Forest and a disappointing 2-1 loss to Tottenham on Sunday.
That defeat to Spurs brought frustration from the supporters, with a much-changed Villa side booed off at full-time. But Watkins said the squad quickly turned its attention to the Forest second leg.
“After the performance against Tottenham, everyone’s mind was on this game,” the England forward said.
“Everyone worked so hard. It is hard to pick a man of the match. We were all amazing.”
Villa’s history in Europe remains deeply tied to their famous 1982 European Cup final victory over Bayern Munich. This time, however, they are likely to travel to Istanbul as favourites rather than outsiders.
McGinn said the players were aware of the club’s history and the opportunity in front of them.
“I felt the nerves this morning, but now it’s about embracing it. You see the guys in 1982, the cup winners in the 90s,” he said.
“Tonight was one of the best performances from Villa I’ve seen in a long time.
“The club’s been through some massive lows, but such a massive group deserves success. Hopefully we’ll be the ones to bring it.”
Villa now stand one match away from ending a long wait for major silverware, with Emery once again at the centre of another European campaign built on discipline, belief and decisive knockout
