Unai Emery has called for one big 'last effort' from Aston Villa's players as they chase glory in the season's final fortnight. Villa can secure a top-five Premier League finish and Champions League qualification by beating Liverpool on Friday night, before facing Freiburg in the Europa League final five days later.
Struggles and Motivation
Emery's men have taken just one point from their last three league matches and the manager concedes they have struggled over the second half of the campaign. But he now wants them to give everything they have left in the crucial matches remaining.
'It is the moment to enjoy, the moment to do the last effort for everybody,' he said. 'To try and get this way, each day, each session and match, trying to be excited and motivated like we are.'
Top-Five Race
Villa sit fifth in the table, behind Liverpool on goal difference, with two league matches left to play. Bournemouth are four points further back, with Brighton six behind. Emery's team have not been outside the top-five since winning at Leeds in November but a return of nine points from the last 10 matches means they are not yet over the line.
Asked how he assessed the top-five race, Emery replied: 'It will be very difficult for us, very difficult for Liverpool, very difficult for Bournemouth and very difficult for Brighton. The team which achieves it is going to deserve it. Of course, hopefully, we will do it.'
