Unai Emery says Aston Villa are gunning for a trophy in his ‘area’ of expertise, while Youri Tielemans is ‘feeling the love’ from new manager

When it comes to cup success, few modern managers can match the CV of Unai Emery.

And the Spaniard is backing himself – and a vastly improved Aston Villa squad – to bring the club its first trophy since 1996.

‘For us to play in the FA Cup, in Carabao Cap – thinking it’s a way for a trophy,’ he told Mail Sport exclusively on the club’s US tour. ‘It’s my area, and in Conference League I think we have to do the same.

‘Try to be demanding, facing the possibility to win a trophy. And then it’s the Premier League, we have to be consistent.’

After finishing seventh and booking a spot in the UEFA Conference League qualifying round, Villa have an extra competition on their plate this season. 

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are aiming to bring the club its first major trophy since 1996

His squad has been tested this preseason in the USA in the Premier League Summer Series

And who better for that challenge than Emery?

The 51-year-old is a master navigator of knockout competitions, with four Europa League titles, two Coupe de Frances and two Coupe de la Ligues showing he is savvy in the format.

Of course, advancing to the Conference League group stage in late August would mean a more congested schedule for Villa.

But after a busy summer transfer window, Emery is relishing the chance to showcase his squad depth.

‘We will need everybody, we will need every player, and they are going to have minutes to play,’ he said ahead of his team’s Premier League Summer Series clash with Brentford today.

Newly-signed center-back Pau Torres is an Emery favorite from their Villareal days, Moussa Diaby will push for a starting spot in the attack and Youri Tielemans joined from a relegated Leicester to add composure to an already-strong midfield.

The Belgian, who’s made 60 appearances for his country, would not have been short on options for his next move but was drawn to what Emery is building at Villa.

‘The manager was really big as well, because when I talked to him, he explained me his project, how he sees me into the team and fitting into the squad,’ Tielemans told Mail Sport. ‘And I really felt the love of the manager and the confidence, and as a player, that’s what you need.

‘You don’t need much to be honest, and you need a lot of love and confidence from the manager, from the club, and then, after that, obviously from your teammates. But that will come automatically with training and with games. And then you have to perform well, obviously.’

Youri Tielemans will bring composure and creativity to Villa after arriving this summer

Tielemans, seen playing in Orlando, said the mood in the team is ‘really positive’

Tielemans, an ever-present in the Leicester midfield after initially joining the club on loan in 2019, started 27 times for the Foxes as they went down and had his lowest goals and assists per 90 minutes (0.15) since arriving in the top flight.

But Emery had no qualms about bringing him to Birmingham, and evidently has big plans for the 26-year-old.

‘I’m very happy adding him in the squad,’ the coach said.

‘Youri Tielemans is a player with experiences. … Of course last year he wasn’t successful with Leicester because they were relegated. But I know him and he’s a very good player.’

Emery also feels good about the state of his backline, after a season where the club had the joint sixth-best defensive record in the league. 

With Diego Carlos returning from injury and Torres joining the fray, it may look to some like there’s an odd man out among Villa’s central defenders. But Emery doesn’t seem to be viewing it that way.

‘I’m so, so happy with the center backs we have now,’ Emery said. ‘With [Ezri] Konsa, with Tyrone Mings with Diego Carlos and with Pau.’

The Spanish defender was in Emery’s Villareal team that beat Man United in the 2021 Europa League Final. 

Tielemans, having twice qualified for the Europa League with Leicester, is no stranger to European ambitions either but is nonetheless enjoying the vibes at an upstart Villa after a heart-wrenching end to last season.  

‘The mood is really positive, the mood is really good. Everyone’s really on it,’ he said. ‘Everyone’s focused. And everyone’s really looking forward to the season. And yeah, that’s what you need in the squad. 

‘And that’s why I made the choice to come here, because I felt that there was a real positive vibe around the squad, around the club. And yeah, the project of the club is really amazing. They are really investing.’

Another project that Tielemans finds interesting – though not in his immediate future – is MLS.

Villa have played in Philadelphia and Orlando on this preseason tour – with a finale vs. Brentford to come in Washington DC on Sunday – and of course Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami has piqued American interest in the sport as well.

Pau Torres is a favorite of Emery’s from their time together at Villareal, and is now at Villa

Villa have played Newcastle and Fulham in the USA, with a matchup vs. Brentford on Sunday

Tielemans won’t be moving Stateside anytime soon but has respect for what MLS is doing.

‘I’ve just joined Aston Villa!’ he laughed. ‘So I’m not really thinking about another team right now. But listen, if the league is doing well… then you always have to keep your options open, and you can never shut out doors.

‘I mean, we’ll see in the future. But if the league keeps growing, then why not? You never know.’

For now, the midfielder will focus on the Premier League and keeping pace with what Emery has branded a newly-expanded ‘top seven’ including Newcastle.

After swooping in – to much success – last November, the manager is looking forward to working with a full runway.

‘I am very excited with this phase we are going to have this year,’ Emery said. 

‘Now is the moment to try to build, to create a small family between us and big commitment with every player.’

 Catch Aston Villa take on Brentford in Maryland on July 30 at FedEx Field.