Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has rejected the “king” of the Europa League moniker as he prepares his squad for Wednesday’s final against Freiburg in Istanbul. Despite aiming for his fifth title in the competition, the Spanish tactician insists his current focus remains entirely on the immediate challenge with his present club.
Emery, who previously secured three titles with Sevilla and one with Villarreal, alongside a runner-up finish at Arsenal, is widely regarded as a specialist in the tournament. However, he emphasized that his past achievements are secondary to the task at hand. “I am not a king in this competition,” Emery stated during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference. “I need to win tomorrow with the players we have now, with Aston Villa now. It is a new way, a new moment, and hopefully a new era.”
Since replacing Steven Gerrard in 2022, Emery has been a transformative figure at Villa Park. He has revitalized the 1982 European champions, leading them to the 2024 Conference League semi-finals and securing Champions League qualification in two of the last three seasons. The club now stands on the brink of its first major trophy since the 1996 League Cup.
Reflecting on the club’s trajectory, Emery described the journey as a deliberate process of building structure and team identity. He noted that managing emotions will be critical in Istanbul, as the team looks to demonstrate the high-level capacity they have displayed throughout their recent European campaigns.
Opposing manager Julian Schuster, leading Freiburg in their first-ever European final, acknowledged the significant challenge ahead. Freiburg, a club seeking both their first major trophy and a maiden Champions League qualification, enters the match as clear underdogs. Schuster praised the harmony and tactical clarity within Emery’s squad, highlighting the effective blend of experienced veterans and talented youth.
Schuster, 41, expressed deep admiration for his counterpart, having sought out the Spaniard for a conversation at Besiktas Stadium during training sessions. “If you can look at him, you can learn a lot from what he expects and the energy he has on the pitch every time,” Schuster remarked. He added that while he respects Emery’s vast experience, his team remains focused on their own strengths and maintains confidence in their ability to cause an upset.
Emery declined to dwell on his historical record, preferring to emphasize the current squad’s growth. He believes the final serves as a vital opportunity to validate the progress made under his leadership. “I don’t want to speak a lot about the things we did before,” he said, noting that the team is ready to face the pressure of the occasion.
For Freiburg, the match represents a historic opportunity. Schuster emphasized that his players must believe in their own potential while remaining realistic about the quality of their opponents. The German side aims to disrupt Villa’s momentum by executing their own tactical plan with discipline.
As both teams prepare for the showdown in Istanbul, the narrative remains centered on Emery’s pursuit of glory with a new project. Whether he adds another trophy to his collection or Freiburg secures a landmark victory, the final promises to be a defining moment for both clubs.
Emery has overseen a revival in the 1982 European champions’ fortunes, guiding the Premier League club to the Conference League semi-finals in 2024 and the quarter-finals of last season’s Champions League.
“It’s just incredible how they work together and look harmonious.
