Aston Villa Qualifies For Champions League 2024 After Securing Fourth Place
Unai Emery has expressed his delight as Aston Villa secured a spot in next season's Champions League. Tottenham's 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday ensured that Ange Postecoglou's side remained five points behind Villa, who clinched a fourth-place finish with one game remaining.
This achievement marks Aston Villa's return to UEFA's premier club competition for the first time since the 1982-83 season, when they were eliminated in the European Cup quarter-finals by Juventus. Additionally, the club has achieved its highest top-flight finish since the 1995-96 campaign, which also saw them end in fourth place.
Emery, whose team reached this season's Europa Conference League semi-finals, is now setting his sights on Europe's top prize next season. He has high expectations for his players and is demanding even more from them.
"It's a very special day," the Spaniard told Villa's official media channels. "It was our dream when we started the season to be here. To play in the Champions League is, after the Premier League, the best. You can play in the Premier League against the best teams in the world; it's very difficult. When you are playing in the Champions League, you are playing against the best teams from other countries."
Emery acknowledged Aston Villa's long and successful history, especially in European competitions. "We know the history of Aston Villa is so long and so successful. Even in the Champions League, we knew the responsibility was to try to increase our level, try to be demanding and to dream," he added.
Emery is already looking forward to next season and the new challenges it will bring. "I want to enjoy more and, next year, the new challenge starts for us. To build a team again and be strong to go and always increase our level; this is our objective," he stated.
The Villans' return to the Champions League is a significant milestone for the club and its supporters. With Emery at the helm, there is a renewed sense of optimism and ambition as they prepare to compete against Europe's elite once again.
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