Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is gearing up for what he describes as a “special, special match” as his team prepares to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday. This match will mark Villa’s first home fixture in Europe’s premier competition since their quarter-final defeat to Juventus back in 1983. The upcoming clash will also see a repeat of the 1982 European Cup final, where Villa secured a historic victory against the German giants.
Emery, who has previous experience of defeating Bayern in the Champions League during his time managing Paris St Germain and Villarreal, acknowledges that his team is the underdog in this encounter. Expressing his excitement, Emery stated, “We are very happy to face Bayern here at home and hopefully we can enjoy tomorrow and we can compete and show our best… It is a special, special match for everyone.”
Reflecting on the significance of returning to European competition, Emery highlighted the importance of the challenge ahead. He acknowledged the strength of Bayern Munich, labelling them as one of the top contenders to win the tournament. Despite acknowledging Bayern’s status as favourites, Emery expressed his determination to compete against them.
Emery will be overseeing his 188th European match in total, while his counterpart Vincent Kompany will be managing only his second Champions League match after a successful debut against Dinamo Zagreb. Emery praised Kompany’s coaching abilities, citing his experiences at Manchester City and his potential for a successful coaching career. Emery acknowledged the difficulties Kompany faced with Burnley last season but expressed his respect for the Belgian coach’s journey.
Looking ahead to the clash with Bayern Munich, Emery emphasised the quality of players at the German club and the level of competition they bring to both domestic and European competitions. Despite the odds stacked against them, Villa under Emery’s leadership is ready to face the challenge and compete to the best of their abilities.
The match between Aston Villa and Bayern Munich promises to be a captivating encounter, with both teams aiming to make their mark in the prestigious Champions League tournament. The excitement is palpable as Villa Park prepares to host this highly anticipated fixture, which holds special significance for both clubs and their fans.