'We can get it' - Emery eyes Champions League comeback against PSG / Photo: FRANCK FIFE - AFP
'We can get it' - Emery eyes Champions League comeback against PSG
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery believes his side are capable of a stunning Champions League fightback when Paris Saint-Germain travel to Birmingham for the second leg of their quarter-final on Tuesday defending a 3-1 lead.
Despite seizing the advantage at the Parc des Princes last week, Emery's men were outclassed in a manner that has become customary for Luis Enrique's all-conquering French champions.
Stunning strikes from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia put PSG in front before Nuno Mendes added what could be the killer third goal in stoppage time.
The size of the task facing Villa is considerable.
PSG have won 17 of their last 18 games in all competitions, the only exception being a 1-0 first leg home defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League last 16, which they overturned at Anfield.
They have not lost by more than one goal since October and only once in 47 matches this season.
Yet Emery's own experience of being PSG boss has taught him what is possible in the pressure cooker of knockout Champions League nights.
Luis Enrique's Barcelona came from 4-0 down against Emery's PSG in 2017 to win 6-1 in one of the most remarkable fightbacks in the competition's history.
Now the roles are reversed as Emery seeks a famous turnaround to prolong Villa's first foray into European football's elite competition since 1982/83.
"We are going to enjoy on Tuesday at Villa Park something very, very special for our supporters (and) for us," said the Spaniard.
"The possibility and opportunity we have to try to face PSG and try to come back. Of course, it's going to be difficult, but we have to feel strong at home and try to prepare as best as possible for the match.
"And try to transmit our energy, to get the supporters' energy and then play the best football.
"When we are playing this year the best football, we can get it."
- Stronger squad -
Villa are in impressive form themselves to remain alive in three competitions heading into the final weeks of the season.
Emery's men won 3-0 at Southampton on Saturday to close to within one point of the Champions League places in the Premier League and also face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals later this month.
The January signings of Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, Donyell Malen and Axel Disasi have made a massive impact to the overall strength of Emery's squad.
That strength in depth was in evidence as all of Villa's goals at the weekend -- from Ollie Watkins, Malen and John McGinn --- came from substitutes.
"We didn't achieve a lot of points at the beginning of the season, because we didn't have enough players in the bench," added Emery.
"We joined in the transfer window, four players, really helping and really increasing our competitive way, to get the points we are getting."
And he believes the impact of the Villa Park crowd can push the home side to new levels on Tuesday.
Villa have not lost a Premier League or Champions League game at home since a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in August, who could be waiting for the victors in the semi-finals.
"We have to share our momentum on Tuesday with our supporters at Villa Park, it's always so, so special," said Emery.
"Try to feel a really strong energy, positive energy on the field and in the stadium. Enjoy, play and try to play our best football to get closer to achieving our objectives in the Champions League."
何-H.Hé--THT-士蔑報
