Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has vowed to stick to his penalty-taking duties despite Thursday’s Europa League conference semi-final defeat by Olympiakos.
Villa’s hopes of reaching a first European final since 1982 hang by a thread after a damaging 4-2 defeat at Villa Park on Thursday night.
It should have been a one-goal deficit to overturn in Athens next week, but Luiz saw his late spot-kick hit the post.
The Brazilian midfielder, who also conceded a penalty after raising his arm at a corner, has been reliable from that position this season and will step up when needed.
“Yes absolutely. I’m confident. I’ve scored, I think, six penalties,” said Luiz, who apologized to the Villa fans after the game.
“It’s the first one I missed but that’s football.
“I need to train with penalties and change my hand and then try to make things positive.
“I wasn’t too happy with my handball but I saw the picture and it was a clear penalty.
“Then I also missed the penalty. I’m not happy today but I need to pick my head up and really focus in the Premier League as well.
Villa were unusually poor at the back but still created chances going forward, giving Luiz hope they can turn the tie around next week.
“Of course, the game is not over. We can come back stronger,” he added.
“I’m very sad because I think we played really well. We didn’t deserve to lose 4-2 but we have to try to turn the result around next week.
“I think we played very well. Honestly, in my opinion, did we play very well. But we conceded four goals so we have to go next week, keep a clean sheet and score two goals.
While it was a bad night on the pitch for Villa, it was a good night off it as Tottenham’s defeat by Chelsea sent Unai Emery’s side one step closer to Champions League qualification.
Villa can seal their place in the top four on Sunday if they beat Brighton and Spurs lose at Liverpool.
“Today is good because Tottenham lost, so we are happy there,” Luiz said. “We need to train more.”
Credit : www.independent.co.uk
