Unai Emery issues Leon Bailey and Youri Tielemans updates after Aston Villa draw at Zrinjski Mostar
Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as Unai Emery reacts to his side's draw with Zrinjski in the Europa Conference League
Aston Villa secured their passage to the Europa Conference League round of 16 by topping Group E with a 1-1 draw with Zrinjski Mostar, and Unai Emery was delighted to achieve the club's first objective of the season.
Emery's side will now be able to concentrate on Premier League duties for nearly three months as the round of 16 ties won't be played until March. John McGinn came off the bench to assist Nicolo Zaniolo on the hour mark against Zrinjski, before the hosts restored parity late on through Matija Malekinusic.
"We are happy because our objective was to be the first in the group and with this draw we are," Emery told Villa TV. "We wanted to play as well with players who haven’t played regularly in the season, for some injuries like Jacob Ramsey and Alex Moreno.
READ | I watched Villa confirm last-16 place - every player rated after Zrinjski draw
READ | The two words that sum up Zrinski vs Villa as last 16 qualification confirmed
"As well with Leander Dendoncker, Filip, Tommi O’Reilly as well it is important for them to get confidence and minutes. Jhon Duran as well. Tonight was perfect with this result and perfect for the players to get their chances.
Emery added: "We wanted to win, but the first objective was to be first in the group and then try to enjoy the way in this competition. Being in Europe, it is important to remember how we achieved it last year and how we are now trying to win a trophy and enjoy it with our supporters. It is important to enjoy it with them."
Youri Tielemans and Leon Bailey both missed the match against Zrinjski, but Emery is hopeful both will be able to feature against Brentford at the weekend.
"Now we are going to focus on the Premier League and on Sunday in Brentford," Emery continued. "We are going to try and recover from the match we played tonight and with other players, some players like Tielemans and Bailey, hopefully we can get the match on Sunday with the players ready to play."