Aston Villa boss Unai Emery admits he's serious about winning the Europa Conference League.

Villa meet Ajax in the first-leg of their round of 16 tie today.

Emery said: "I respect each competition a lot in Europe.

"We are going to face Ajax, and they were playing in the semi-finals of the Champions League five years ago.

"I was in the semi-final with Villarreal in Spain in the Champions League. I played in the Europa League and won. I appreciate European football in every competition and now want to enjoy the Conference League.

"If we are playing here with two teams like Ajax and Aston Villa, it is good for both teams.

"European football always has prestige. This competition started two years ago, Roma and West Ham have won and both are prestigious clubs."