Unai Emery has called on Aston Villa to show full respect to Bologna and to the Europa League itself as they prepare for their quarter-final meeting with the Italian club.
The Villa manager described Bologna as a “winner team” and made clear that his side should not be viewed as favourites for the tie. Emery’s warning comes as he looks to keep his players sharp after an extended international break, with Villa having not played a competitive match since 22 March.
Bologna arrive with momentum after defeating Roma in the last 16, a result that underlines the challenge awaiting Villa. Emery, who has won the competition four times as a manager, knows the demands of knockout European football well, and he appears keen to make sure his team approach the contest with the right mindset.
For Villa, the time away from match action adds an extra layer of uncertainty. A long pause between games can disrupt rhythm, and Emery’s comments suggest that regaining competitive edge will be just as important as tactical preparation. The Spanish coach has been careful to stress that respect for the opponent is essential if Villa are to keep their Europa League progress alive.
The quarter-final offers Villa another significant step in a competition Emery knows intimately. His record in the Europa League gives him notable authority on the subject, and his message to his players is simple: focus, humility and concentration will be needed against a Bologna side that has already shown its quality by eliminating Roma.
As Villa return to European action, Emery’s insistence on caution reflects the margins that often decide ties of this nature. Bologna may not be the biggest name left in the competition, but their recent results have made them a dangerous opponent. For Aston Villa, the task is to match that determination and ensure the break has not interrupted their momentum at a crucial stage of the season.
