Unai Emery sat down with the media after Aston Villa's 4–0 win over Nottingham Forest on Thursday night. It was a historic evening at Villa Park, one that sends Emery's side through to Istanbul, where they will face Freiburg in the Europa League final. Here is everything Emery said in his post-match press conference.
How proud were you of your players to carry through the game plan?
"We were being demanding after the first leg. Why? Because we played a good match but it wasn't enough. We didn't get duels there and weren't clinical in the last pass or shot. The most important thing was to get balance and not concede the second goal. Why? Villa Park, we expected something different and to prepare better or to push with the players. We did it today, yesterday too. We focused on the match to improve things. The atmosphere was a huge, huge atmosphere. They created a huge atmosphere and played with us."
What did Prince William say to you?
"He was in the dressing room with the players and with me. He was so happy as well."
Your players appeared fired up from the very start…
"They were so, so focused. They were aware of the momentum. We planned before, emotionally, about how we would play the match. It was the only match we played here before as a semi-final as a second leg. To play one match like this with the chance to get a final, it is the only moment like it we have had here. We were so, so motivated and excited. We were confident about how the supporters would create the atmosphere so we could play like we did."
There was huge pressure for Villa in this game…
"As a professional, I am trying to protect myself as well, getting balance. Of course, I knew before the match that there were two ways - one to win, one to lose. I accepted, always, that things are successful in the process and to always look forward in every situation. We can feel happy and proud, but also getting balance because there's still a final to play. There is 50/50 possibilities for both teams. German teams have good players, good coaches and a good competitive way. Everything we do is to enjoy."
How well has Lindelof done when called on?
"It is one thing we did in the season, Lindelof played as a midfielder. I spoke to him about the possibility. Without Kamara and Onana, also we played McGinn in midfield, but understanding what we needed overall, with set-pieces and with a player with experience, Lindelof is a fantastic guy and professional. He has played lots of matches like this. I didn't need to explain a lot to him to get the game plan like we did overall. Lamare Bogarde helps us a lot of times in different positions, but today I decided after analysing everything, to play him [Lindelof]."
How will your selection be handled in the next league games?
"We can win or lose the final. If we lose the final, we achieve nothing. We need the Premier League. Against Burnley, we have another opportunity because overall we are so consistent in 35 matches, but not the last part of that. We have to focus on Sunday and get Champions League positions through the league. Then, play the final."
What does this competition mean to you?
"Europe is very important. In my first press conference here I was speaking about Europe, I was speaking about trophies as well, but it's very difficult I win, it's difficult to get trophies. In Europe it's difficult to be consistent like we are. It's through our hard work and the players must set the standards we want to achieve. Today the players got their best, collectively and individually."
