Ezri Konsa reacts as Lucas Digne shares motivational Aston Villa message
Aston Villa duo Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne are vying to achieve further success with Unai Emery’s men next season.
The defensive pair helped the West Midlands side reach the FA Cup semi-finals and the Champions League quarter-finals last term.
However, the Villa Park outfit have been unable to clinch silverware since their League Cup triumph back in 1996.
After narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification, Emery’s side could rectify that next season, as the Spanish boss has won four Europa League titles in an illustrious career.
Konsa reacts to Digne’s message as Aston Villa set off for pre-season tour
Emery’s men begin their Premier League campaign with a home clash against Newcastle United on 16 August.
But before that, Aston Villa are set for a pre-season tour of the USA, where they will take on Major League Soccer duo St Louis City and Nashville.
Ahead of Villa’s trip across the Atlantic, France international full-back Digne took to Instagram on Thursday, 24 July, to say: “Let’s go” alongside a US flag emoji and an aeroplane emoji.
The 32-year-old’s message received a like from Konsa.
Emery and Villa must establish strong form in pre-season
Football Insider verdict
Villa enjoyed a largely successful season, reaching the latter stages of both the Champions League and the FA Cup, as well as finishing level on points with the Champions League qualifying spots in the Premier League.
| Opponent | Date |
| Newcastle (H) | 16/08 |
| Brentford (A) | 23/08 |
| Crystal Palace (H) | 29/08 |
However, there is a chance that the West Midlands club could still feel disheartened by the fact that they did not get themselves over the line in the end to clinch silverware, or earn a seat at the top table of European football once again.
While Emery’s previous exploits suggest that he can guide Aston Villa to Europa League glory, he must first steer his side to strong form in pre-season, so that they head into the new Premier League season full of confidence.
The West Midlands outfit are also set to step up their transfer activity this summer, as they are yet to make a marquee signing since the loan additions of Marco Asensio and Barcelona new boy Marcus Rashford last season.
Meanwhile, Emery’s side have been given the green light to sign Leicester City ace Bilal El Khanouss in a Villa News exclusive.