Unai Emery gives bizarre ‘Europe’ answer live on Sky at Aston Villa v Bournemouth
Unai Emery left a Sky Sports journalist baffled as he gave a perplexing answer concerning Aston Villa’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League during a pre-match interview.
The Villains find themselves embroiled in a fierce battle to qualify for Europe’s premier competition, with every point mattering in their final few Premier League games.
Emery’s side trails fifth-placed Chelsea by two points and are looking to qualify for the Champions League for a second consecutive season, having been knocked out by PSG this campaign.
Sporting achievements aside, qualifying for the tournament is also important, with Aston Villa’s transfer business contingent on the financial guarantees Europe provides.
However, when asked about the pressing concern, the Spanish boss gave a strange answer ahead of his side’s clash with Bournemouth.
Unai Emery gives ‘Europe’ answer ahead of Bournemouth clash
Emery was interviewed by David Craig on Sky Sports Main Event (10 May, 5.14pm), prior to Villa’s important fixture, and when asked how important it is that they get into the Champions League, he answered quickly: “Good afternoon! Europe!
“Europe.
“Europe.”
After a few awkward seconds of silence, Craig questioned: “Yes?”
Emery responded: “Yes, Europe, to be in Europe, very important.”
The interview then moved on following the awkward exchange, with the Spaniard emphasising that Champions League football was very important but it was out of their hands.
Ollie Watkins’ deft touch deep into first-half stoppage time put his side ahead at the break, and made him the club’s all-time leading Premier League scorer.
Aston Villa face difficult future without Champions League football
Football Insider Verdict
As highlighted by Emery, even if his exchange with his interviewer was an excruciating watch, Europe is very important for Villa.
The club have banked on making it to the Champions League by investing heavily into the wages of the playing staff.
According to The Guardian, Villa’s accounts show their wage bill for the 2023/24 season was £252million, whilst their revenue was £257.7million.
Without the boost provided by Champions League football, they will be unable to afford Marcus Rashford’s signing permanently, whilst Marco Asensio will also likely be out of the question.
Should Villa fail to qualify, they will miss out on big targets this summer, and much like Chelsea have, potentially fall behind their rivals in the perennial rat-race for a spot in UEFA’s prestigious tournament.