Freiburg star Igor Matanović has warned Aston Villa they intend to make Wednesday’s Europa League final an uncomfortable affair for Unai Emery’s side.
Transfermarkt have an interview with the 23-year-old today. And he’s not holding back about the plan for Wednesday’s showstopper.
Freiburg vs Aston Villa
Freiburg take on Aston Villa in the Europa League final at Beşiktaş Stadium in Istanbul.
They have had a difficult run to the final two, finishing seventh in the league phase before seeing off Genk, Celta Vigo and Braga to make the final.
It is their fourth appearance in the tournament, and the first time they have ever progressed beyond the round of 16. In fact, it is the first time that the club have reached a European final in their history.
They’re determined not to miss their opportunity for glory, and Igor Matanović insists that there’s a plan in place to ensure that they don’t.
“We are at least the second-best team in the Europa League, but we want to become the best. We’re extremely proud and happy. But of course, we want to win the title in the final,” he said.
“We want to make it a home game by playing with intensity right from the start. That will then transfer to the stadium. And also to Aston Villa. They’ll realise that we’re a tough opponent, and if we manage that, then our chances are good.
“We don’t want to give Aston Villa any breathing room and want to perform at our highest level. Of course, Aston Villa is a strong opponent, but if we don’t let them get into their rhythm, it will be difficult for them.”
Aston Villa favourites
Doing so against Aston Villa may be a difficult task, though, with Unai Emery’s side heading into the final in good form.
Their 4-2 win over Liverpool on Friday saw them put a difficult April firmly in the rearview mirror and secure Champions League football for next season. It also saw Ollie Watkins back in form, bagging a brace to move to 19 goals for the season.
And in Emery they have a manager who is completely at home in European finals. This will be the sixth of his career. He’s won four of the previous five.
There’s also the squad costs to consider. Aston Villa are currently ranked at around €548m, more than double Freiburg’s €191m. Igor Matanović isn’t concerned about that, though.
“Of course, on paper we’re the underdogs. And the squad stats speak for themselves,” he added.
“The difference is enormous. But we mustn’t forget where we came from, where we were at the start of the season, and the progress we’ve made. And when we play with the fans behind us, who give us so much energy every time, we’re almost unbeatable.”
