As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Aston Villa boss Emery accepts Olympiakos defeat: We must learn from this

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says they must learn from their defeat to Olymipiakos.

The Greeks are into the final of the Europa Conference League after Thursday's 2-0 semifinal win. They reach the final 6-2 on aggregate.

Emery later said: "We got to be in Europe at the end of last season and this year we enjoyed it but to win is very difficult and we are in the process [of developing].

"They [Olympiakos] deserve to be in the final. We lost it in the first 90 minutes at home and we were not competitive. We started this first half well, they scored but we controlled the game but we were not clinical.

"This is an experience for us at Aston Villa after a long time [of not being in Europe] and again we are going to compete in Europe next year. Of course we are a little bit disappointed, a little bit frustrated but we have to move on quick. We started the first leg and maybe we were favourites but after the first leg we weren't.

"We have to try to finish the season and for it to be very amazing [if they qualify for the Champions League]."

Asked about recovering, he added: "Firstly get back to Birmingham. Then tomorrow rest and Saturday we focus on the match on Sunday against Liverpool. We are motivated and excited for it. Yes today we are disappointed but only one team can win, so for us to continue with the frustration doesn't make sense.

"My message is clear. Move on and we have to try and finish the season doing an amazing season, particularly if we manage to achieve the last objective. Even without it [Champions League] we are in Europe in the Europa League.

"We will go over what we have done in the last two legs against Olympiakos and try to learn and take positives from it, take the information from it. Take the experience. Recover, reset and move on."

Video of the day:

About the author

Paul Vegas

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free