Matty Cash has opened up on Unai Emery's meticulous preparations for the Europa League final, insisting that Aston Villa will 'do anything' to secure the trophy against SC Freiburg in Istanbul.
Speaking at Villa's media day, Cash revealed that Emery had already held a meeting with the squad on Saturday morning, just days before Wednesday's showpiece. 'If you want any man to be leading you out in the Europa League final, it's him - because he's done it so many times,' Cash said.
Emery's Detailed Preparations
Cash explained that Emery's first meeting focused on shifting focus from Premier League success to the final. 'He was just saying, the Premier League's done, you can put that to bed now. We've obviously got our achievements in qualifying for the Champions League, but now we're starting to look at Wednesday,' Cash said. 'It's a different match. It's a final, it's a one-off game. It's 50-50 for both teams.'
The right-back detailed the extensive analysis ahead, including watching Freiburg footage. 'I reckon we'll watch the Forest second leg - that'll be a good hour and a half. And then we'll watch Freiburg, because we don't really know much of them, so that'll be probably two hours, or three maybe.'
No Detail Too Small
When asked how deep Emery goes into preparation, Cash leaned back and said: 'Loads. I think he's so demanding of himself. He treats every game the same, but we all know it's a final.' Cash emphasised the team's commitment: 'With the circumstances we're in now, what we've got to play for, I think we'd do anything. We have a three-hour meeting just to get it over the line.'
Cash highlighted how Emery's approach extends to individual coaching. 'For example, with my defensive coach, we'll watch the opposition, watch how they dribble, what they're going to do. Just little details for every player that add up and get the best out of it.'
Trophy Ambition
The Villa dressing room is determined to seize the opportunity. 'We know that we need to go and win a trophy now. It's such an important game, and we know what's at stake,' Cash said. 'For the fans and for the people, to get a trophy back to Villa Park, we know how much it will mean.'
Cash reflected on the journey under Emery, who has transformed the team over three-and-a-half years. 'The only thing that is missing is a trophy. We've been really consistent in the league and been given chances to play in games like this, but never really quite got there.'
With Emery's relentless work ethic and the squad's unity, Villa aim to overcome Freiburg and etch their names in club history. 'It'll be a nervy game, an emotional game,' Cash concluded.
