Aston Villa's manager has made his decision ahead of the Premier League clash with Liverpool, competing for a top 4 spot and chasing the Europa League title.
On 15 May 2026, Unai Emery, Aston Villa's manager, gave an interview before their 37th week Premier League match of the 2025-26 season, hosting Liverpool tonight at 02:00 to compete for a top 4 finish.
Aston Villa has the UEFA Europa League final coming up against Freiburg on Wednesday, 20 May, with the winner earning a spot in the UEFA Champions League. However, if they beat Liverpool tonight, they will secure a top 5 finish and qualify for the Champions League as well.
4. Liverpool 59 points (goal difference +12)
5. Aston Villa 59 points (goal difference +4)
6. Bournemouth 55 points
7. Brighton 53 points
Unai Emery has previously won the Europa League four times as a manager (Sevilla 3 times, Villarreal once) from five finals appearances (Sevilla 3, Villarreal 1, Arsenal 1) and is now aiming to add another title to his record with Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa is vying for their first major trophy in 30 years since winning the League Cup in the 1995-96 season and a European trophy for the first time in 44 years since claiming the European Cup (now UEFA Champions League) in 1982.
When asked which match they would prioritize—tonight's Premier League game against Liverpool or the Europa League final—Villa's manager said, "The Premier League is our main goal and will remain so. We are reaching the Europa League final with a 50 percent chance to win and qualify for the Champions League."
"Securing qualification through the league is our top priority because we are clearly competing with Liverpool for fourth place. We could miss fifth place as Bournemouth and Brighton behind us still have chances to overtake."
"Our goal is to play in the UEFA Champions League next season. That is what we must strive for. There are multiple ways to achieve this. Tomorrow is the first match—it is the Premier League and it is Liverpool."
"It feels like a special day because Liverpool won the Premier League last year, and this year we are equal on points with almost the same squad. Being able to compete closely with them makes me very happy."