Unai Emery thinks that Aston Villa should not be contenders to win the FA Cup before facing Cardiff in the fifth round on Friday.
The Villans are only two games from the semi-finals after sending Premier League West Ham and Tottenham rivals and watch a strong bet to reach these last scenes after a favorable draw at home against the difficulties of the championship.
A number of large sides have already been sent making packaging in the tournament, with tastes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea all losing in previous towers.
But despite this, Emery, whose villa is fighting for Europe, does not think they are one of the strongest candidates to go to the end.
Before the link against the Bluebirds, Emery said: “We are not suitors. For what? Because there are other teams with more options than us to win this competition.
“It’s a way for a trophy and it’s a way for Europe. The winner is playing next year in the Europa League.
“We have three ways [to get into Europe]: Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. We are not candidates in FA Cup to win this trophy.
“Trying to participate in this competition and having a way for a trophy is very important. Then prestige. Each player, the club, coaches – everyone would also like to try to get prestige. »»
🗣️ on our opponents: “First, we have respect for competition. Second, we respect all the teams that participate in this turn. Of course, Cardiff is a championship team, but we have our own experiences two years ago with Stevenage for example. »» pic.twitter.com/wbxhlbrupl
– Aston Villa (@AvfCofficial) February 27, 2025
Emery calls for consistency
The incoherent season of Villa is perhaps perfectly summarized from their last three games, having impressed in a draw against Liverpool and win Chelsea, before being broken 4-1 by Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
They were more impressive in the FA Cup after shining in victories on West Ham and Spurs.
Emery added: “We are consistent in this competition this year. At home against West Ham and Tottenham, we played two great games and we won.
“Tomorrow is another opportunity to continue to be coherent. Our requests are in different ways, individually and collectively, to obtain confidence, getting comfortable, trying to transmit our wishes to our supporters in this competition.
“We are not suitors, but in case we can continue in this competition, we are going to be closer to competition for something important.”
Emery wants to avoid upheavals
During Friday’s opponents, he added: “First of all, we have respect for competition. Second, we respect all the teams that participate in this turn.
“Of course, Cardiff is a championship team, but we have our own experiences two years ago with Stevenage for example. We do not succeed last year and two years ago.
“We play at home at Villa Park and we have to feel strong. Being coherent is our challenge. »»
Aston Villa Fa Cup Team News
Emery said Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Martinez are doubts about Cardiff’s match, with Mings missed the game in the palace before their star goalkeeper is withdrawn at halftime.
On the physical form of the rest of his team, Emery added: “Barkley is not for tomorrow. Onana, doubt. Kamara, doubt. They are about to come back, but we will see this afternoon.
“Malen, he’s sick, but I hope he can recover for tomorrow. Being sick is different, but it depends.
“More or less, this is the news of the players, how we will be tomorrow.”
