Aston Villa can challenge for European Conference League glory and Champions League qualification, says center back Pau Torres.
On Thursday, Villa will host Lille in the primary quarter-final match of the Conference League, moving closer to their first major trophy since 1996.
They haven’t finished higher than fifth within the Premier League since 1997, but are only outside the highest 4 on goal difference, behind Tottenham.
The two leagues will receive an additional Champions League place based on their teams’ performance in Europe this season – in response to UEFA’s coefficients table. Italy tops the table, but fifth place within the Premier League will secure their place if England overtakes Germany into second place.
Villa are favorites to win the Conference League, ahead of Fiorentina and Fenerbahce going into the last eight, and Spain international Torres believes they can fight on each fronts.
“Yes, we have a really good squad and a really good team,” said the previous Villarreal defender, who won the Europa League in 2021 under current Villa coach Unai Emery.
We are working to be sure that we’ve enough players to play at 100% in every match. This week is a tricky week, a tricky week, but we’ve to maintain fighting.
“Now both competitions are very important to me. We’re working on it. This month and a half is the most important and every player is focused on it.”
Boss Emery can also be adamant that Villa’s top 4 strikes won’t influence his team selection as they bid to finish a 28-year trophy drought since winning the League Cup in 1996.
They travel to Premier League leaders Arsenal, Emery’s former club, on Sunday, however the manager said it could not affect his pondering on Thursday.
“No way, we are talking about tomorrow’s match and thinking about the match we will play then. It’s not good for us, me or anyone else,” said Emery, who won four Europa League titles.
“We have experience and the most important thing is to be competitive and successful. We are excited about the goal that lies ahead of us.”
Emery remains without Matty Cash, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Clement Lenglet is also out with a minor knock.
Long-term absentees Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia and Boubacar Kamara (all with a knee) are making progress but won’t play this season, while Jacob Ramsey can also be sidelined until next term with a toe injury.
Credit : www.bbc.co.uk
