Emery Discusses Sancho’s Illness, ‘Special’ Events, and Esteemed Feyenoord

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Emery Discusses Sancho’s Illness, ‘Special’ Events, and Esteemed Feyenoord

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery held a press conference in anticipation of Thursday’s Europa League match against Feyenoord. The game is set to take place at Stadion Feijenoord, kicking off at 20:00 BST.

Sancho’s Illness and Squad Updates

Jadon Sancho remains sidelined due to illness and will not be part of the squad. Although he trained on Wednesday, he has not fully recovered. Other players, including Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans, Andres Garcia, Ross Barkley, and Tyrone Mings, are also unavailable. Some youth players have traveled with the team to bolster their options.

Anticipation for Feyenoord Clash

Emery expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to deliver a strong performance. He mentioned the significance of returning to Stadion Feijenoord, a venue where Aston Villa won the European Cup in 1982. He acknowledged the emotional connection for supporters who witnessed that victory.

Historic Context and Expectations

The upcoming match is reminiscent of last year’s encounter against Bayern Munich, a remarkable fixture that held special meaning for the club. Emery understands the historical challenges of playing in Rotterdam. He previously experienced a loss there during his tenure with Sevilla.

Analyzing Feyenoord’s Strengths

Emery noted that winning away matches is notoriously challenging. Feyenoord showcased their abilities while competing in the Champions League last season, making them formidable opponents. The atmosphere created by their fans adds to the difficulty, often giving the home team an advantage.

Important factors for Villa:

Consistency and focus throughout the match.
Preparation to dominate their defensive area.
Understanding Feyenoord’s motivation as a prestigious team.

A Key Match in Villa’s Europa League Journey

Emery emphasized the importance of this match, categorizing it as one of the most significant in Aston Villa’s Europa League campaign. The clash against Feyenoord will serve as both a test of their capabilities and a chance to showcase their strength on the European stage.