Unai Emery told me about Aston Villa's Wembley dream and 'how much' FA Cup means
Aston Villa are one win away from an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley
Every time Unai Emery and his Aston Villa players arrive at Bodymoor Heath, they’re reminded of the many major honours the club has won in its decorated history.
This season, Villa have a big opportunity to end a 29-year wait for silverware, as Preston North End stand in their way of a return to Wembley after five years.
The Championship side will host Villa at Deepdale on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, only one of the ‘big six’ remains in the competition: Manchester City, who face the tricky task of playing Bournemouth away from home.
Despite only five clubs having won more FA Cup titles in history, Villa haven’t lifted the trophy for 68 years—nearly as long as Newcastle United went without winning any silverware before beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final earlier this month.
Emery has only managed at Wembley once in his career, against Tottenham in March 2019. His only previous visit was as a spectator for the Community Shield final at the start of the 2018/19 campaign.
“Of course, I know how much it means for the supporters to be there,” Emery said of playing at Wembley. “The supporters were there five, six years ago when Aston Villa was playing to get promoted to the Premier League.
“But now it’s different. Now it’s about being there for a semi-final. Of course, it is a very good opportunity.
“It’s a path to a trophy. It’s a path to Europe. It’s prestigious for the club. I like that we have, at the entrance of our training ground, the titles the club has won throughout its history.
“And of course, we want to write a new chapter in that history. This is one way, one good opportunity. We respect Preston a lot.
“Playing away is always very difficult. They will have their supporters behind them. Of course, we will have ours there too, excited and highly motivated for this competition.
“We are ready. We are ready. My real focus now is on strengthening the players we have and improving in all areas.
“Sunday is the best opportunity after 17 or 18 days since we last played at home. Of course, I want to focus on the players and work deeply on this match in two ways.
“First, by competing in the FA Cup—I am in Preston, and I respect them. Secondly, by continuing to build our team.”
Emery added: “When analysing the teams still involved in this competition, of course, the favourite is probably Manchester City.
“But among the other teams, we are contenders on a more level footing—teams like Fulham, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest.
“Of course, we respect Preston. We are the favourites in this match. We know that. But I know that if we don’t play with respect, focus, and our best level, we can lose.
“We may feel like favourites, but being favourites only matters if you dominate on the pitch. Right now, we are contenders with a very good opportunity to reach Wembley and compete for a trophy.
“But we must focus solely on Sunday’s match and prepare as thoroughly as possible, giving full respect to Preston.
“This competition offers a great opportunity, and we must seize it by giving 100 per cent in the moment.”