Aston Villa: Will PSG tie provide Champions League redemption for Unai Emery?
It was an inspired choice, as proved by the acclaim Emery received as he made his way off after another tactical masterclass against Club Brugge – a mixed first half of conservatism that at least ensured Villa protected their 3-1 first-leg lead sent to another level by half-time substitutes Marco Asensio, who scored twice, and Leon Bailey.
Villa’s manager did not look happy as he walked off at the interval, but it was a case of no harm done and he was quick to put things right.
Emery’s enduring ability to improve players was seen again in Marcus Rashford’s continuing renaissance in his loan spell from Manchester United.
He was tireless and energetic, forcing Kyriani Sabbe into the foul that saw him sent off after 16 minutes then putting Asensio’s second – Villa’s third – on a plate after 61 minutes.
Asensio has long been a signing desired by Emery and is demonstrating exactly why, his double taking his tally to seven in eight games.
Emery, who knows this stage and its strategies so well, ensured Villa set up the meeting with PSG without any alarms, the final half hour played out with the ease of a testimonial.
It demonstrated his attention to detail, his comfort in this European environment and at Aston Villa.
This is effectively Unai Emery’s club, given power on a scale that means he can control all footballing aspects. He craved control and Villa give it to him.
He has brought 23 Spanish coaches to Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training headquarters, all working within strict demarcation – while the bond with old Sevilla ally, president of football operations Monchi, is vital.
PSG will now be subjected to Emery’s usual relentless, meticulous video analysis. He will leave no stone unturned in his attempt to take Villa’s odyssey even further.
Villa’s Premier League season has been mixed, but they remain in eighth place, only four points off Chelsea in fourth place. They also have an FA Cup quarter-final away to Championship side Preston North End.
Emery said of returning to Paris: “To play in the quarter-final is fantastic. It is very difficult. It will be a huge challenge for Aston Villa, for the supporters, for the players, the coaches and me. I didn’t come back there since I left, I didn’t go there playing or visiting in Paris.
“Paris St-Germain showed their capacity against Liverpool. We are going to try to identify their weaknesses and prepare as best as possible. It’s very important for our club to be in the Champions League, to play against PSG is something to be excited about.”
Once more, Unai Emery is a man on a European mission.
