Aston Villa star Lucas Digne has insisted they’re in the Europa League to win it, even with Champions League qualification on the line in the Premier League.
Foot Mercato have an interview with the Aston Villa defender. The Frenchman very much has his eyes on the prize in the Europa League this week.
Europa League aims
Unai Emery’s side take on Nottingham Forest in the Europa League semi-finals this week, with the first leg scheduled for this evening.
They head into the game as favourites, given they currently sit joint fourth in the Premier League and on course for the Champions League. They also have Emery, a serial winner in the competition, leading the charge.
And Lucas Digne insists they’ve all got their eyes on the prize, despite the Champions League being their main focus.
“We’re in the Europa League semi-finals, and we have only one ambition: to win the competition,” he said.
“Unai Emery is a coach with a wealth of international football experience, and he knows how to win. It would be fantastic to bring a trophy to the Villa fans and write a new chapter in the club’s rich history.”
Champions League dreams
There is no denying, though, that the Champions League remains the key to Aston Villa’s plans. Securing a place back in Europe’s top competition will once again open up the finances to back Unai Emery’s grand plans for the club.
Lucas Digne knows all about the allure of the competition. He’s played in the competition with several clubs, including Aston Villa, and he knows what it means.
“We’re in the final month of the season and everything is still to play for,” he added.
“Our main objective is Champions League qualification, an extremely difficult goal to achieve in the Premier League. It’s by far the most competitive league in the world, with an impressive number of excellent teams.
“Every season, some very big clubs finish outside the Champions League qualifying places, but if they had qualified, they would certainly have gone far in the competition.”
No fitness fears
Fortunately for Aston Villa, the French defender isn’t feeling like he’s out of gas just yet. In fact, he’s the opposite to most players after a busy schedule in England.
“I feel in top form, and I love this time of year when everything is at stake,” he concluded.
“Every match is important, and that’s what I love. And that’s what we all look for as footballers: a big challenge.
“I hear about players getting tired at the end of the season, but I give it my all. I feel like I’ve progressed throughout my career and, with experience, I’m now at the top of my game.”
