Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has dismissed his team’s chances of winning this season’s FA Cup, stating they are not title contenders, Afrosport reports.
The Villians finished in the top eight of the rebranded UEFA Champions League league phase and are contenders for a top-four spot in the Premier League.
It has led to suggestions they could challenge for major honours this season but Emery is not buying that idea but is rather looking at a path to Europe for next season which finishing as runners-up can guarantee if the champion finishes in the top four in the league.
“It’s a way for a trophy. It’s a way for Europe. The winner is playing next year in the Europa League,” the Spaniard said ahead of their FA Cup fifth-round tie against Cardiff City.
“We have three ways – Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. Of course, we are not contenders in FA Cup to win this title.
“To try to compete in this competition and to have a way for a trophy and for Europe is very important and then prestige. Every player, the club, the coaches – everybody would like one way trying to get prestige as well.”
MATCHDAY — UP THE VILLAAA
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— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 28, 2025
Villa defeated fellow Premier League sides West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur to reach the FA Cup fifth round.
