Emi Martinez responds to Aston Villa message from Youri Tielemans after major error
Emi Martinez responded to a message from Aston Villa teammate Youri Tielemans after the Champions League defeat to PSG.
The Belgian midfielder put in a typically composed performance, but a little further up the pitch than usual, after Unai Emery made some surprising team sheet choices.
These included using John McGinn at left-wing, which proved to be a masterstroke, whilst Ollie Watkins was left out in favour of Marcus Rashford, sparking debate about the former Brentford striker’s future at Villa Park.
However, whilst the outfielders enjoyed putting three goals past the Ligue 1 champions, a howler from Martinez cost Aston Villa the opening goal, in the 5-4 loss over two legs.
Youri Tielemans sends heartfelt message to Aston Villa fans
Following their exit from the Champions League, Tielemans posted a message on Instagram that reads: “This is us, our UCL campaign comes to an end. Gave it our all last night and came so close.
“Couldn’t be prouder of our mentality, character and performance. Thank you for the atmosphere, your support means a lot to us players”.
Tielemans’ Villa teammate, Martinez, then responded with a praying emoji, showing support for the Belgian.
The Midlands side are back in action on Saturday (19 April), when they welcome Newcastle to Villa Park with both teams battling to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Unai Emery shows managerial magic in disrupted Aston Villa season
Football Insider Verdict
For a team that has undergone such dramatic mid-season changes, Villa have performed surprisingly well this season.
Jhon Duran’s move to Al-Nassr looked like a huge loss in January and the lack of alternatives to Watkins seemed like a peculiar oversight by the Villains’ board.
Rashford and Marco Asensio were brought in on temporary deals, but both were several years removed from their peaks.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Tielemans |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Starts | 32 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Minutes | 2,741 |
However, both have been instrumental in Villa’s wonderful form in the latter half of the season, whilst fellow January signings Donyell Malen and Axel Disasi have had their moments.
Whilst Villa could not overcome PSG, Emery has proven himself to be an elite manager, capable of dealing with whatever is thrown at him, and the Midlands side are well placed now to make another Champions League run next season, should they qualify.