Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has outlined his ultimate career ambition while expertly sidestepping premature Premier League title talk, insisting that "dreams are free" for everyone involved with the club.
The Ultimate Objective: Champions League Glory
Speaking ahead of a pivotal Premier League encounter with Arsenal, Emery revealed that his "huge dream" is to win the UEFA Champions League. He reflected on a coaching journey that began two decades ago in Spain's third tier, expressing pride in his progression but acknowledging the weight of responsibility he now carries at Villa Park.
"My huge dream here or as a coach is to win the Champions League. That is my dream, all my life," Emery stated. He added, "I don't know if I can have again this opportunity. Last year, we played quarter-final. Four years ago we played semi-final. I am getting close!"
Villa's Stellar Season and Arsenal Test
Emery's comments come as his team enjoys a remarkable campaign. Aston Villa currently sit on 39 points after 18 matches, equalling their points total from two seasons ago when they secured a fourth-place finish. This represents their best-ever points haul at this stage of a Premier League season.
The team's form is formidable, having strung together 11 consecutive victories—a joint club record last achieved an astonishing 111 years ago. This run has propelled them to within just three points of league leaders Arsenal, whom they face at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
Villa's primary aim this season is a return to Europe's elite club competition, a goal they narrowly missed last term on goal difference. Qualification is possible either through their league position or by winning the Europa League, for which they secured a place on the final day of the previous campaign.
Focus on the Present: 'Only Tomorrow'
Despite his long-term vision, the Spanish coach emphasised a grounded, match-by-match approach. When asked if Villa supporters could realistically dream of a title challenge, he acknowledged the power of ambition but swiftly redirected focus to the immediate task.
"Dreams are free. Everyone has to dream. I have my dream and I am here getting my dream," Emery said. He then added, "In each moment, I am realistic. The only dream I have now is tomorrow’s match... There are a lot of ways of where we want to get. But now, there is only tomorrow. After tomorrow, we will see."
On the emotional aspect of returning to face former club Arsenal, Emery was pragmatic. Having managed across Spain, England, Russia, and France over 20 years, he views it as "one match more." His primary allegiance, he stressed, is now wholly with Aston Villa. "Now, my heart is Aston Villa. Everything I am doing is trying to get the best for our fans, the owners, the players and our coaches," he affirmed.
