‘We can get it’ as Unai Emery eyes Champions League comeback against PSG

LONDON – Aston Villa manager Unai Emery believes that his side are capable of a stunning Champions League fightback, when Paris Saint-Germain travel to Birmingham for the second leg of their quarter-final on April 15 defending a 3-1 lead.

Despite seizing the opener at the Parc des Princes last week, Emery’s men were outclassed in a manner that has become customary for Luis Enrique’s all-conquering French champions.

Stunning strikes from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia put PSG in front before Nuno Mendes added what could be the killer third goal in stoppage time.

The size of the task facing Villa now is considerable.

“We are going to enjoy on Tuesday at Villa Park something very special for our supporters (and) for us,” insisted Emery, a former PSG coach himself.

“The possibility and opportunity we have to try to face PSG and try to come back.

“Of course, it’s going to be difficult, but we have to feel strong at home and try to prepare as best as possible for the match.

“And try to transmit our energy, to get the supporters’ energy and then play the best football. When we are playing this year the best football, we can get it.”

PSG have won 17 of their last 18 games in all competitions, the only exception being a 1-0 first-leg home loss to Liverpool in the Champions League last 16, which they overturned at Anfield before prevailing in a penalty shoot-out.

They have not lost by more than one goal since October and are unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season.

Yet Emery’s own experience of being PSG boss has taught him what is possible in the pressure cooker of knockout Champions League nights.

Enrique’s Barcelona came from 4-0 down against Emery’s PSG in 2017 to win 6-1 in one of the most remarkable fightbacks in the competition’s history.

Now the roles are reversed as Emery seeks a famous turnaround to prolong Villa’s first foray into European football’s elite competition since 1982-83.

Villa are in impressive form in three competitions heading into the final weeks of the season.

Emery’s men won 3-0 at Southampton over the weekend to close to within one point of the Champions League places in the Premier League and also face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals on April 26.

The January signings of Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, Donyell Malen and Axel Disasi have made a massive impact to the overall strength of his squad.

That strength in depth was in evidence as all of Villa’s goals at the weekend – from Ollie Watkins, Malen and John McGinn – came from substitutes.

“We didn’t achieve a lot of points at the beginning of the season, because we didn’t have enough players on the bench,” added Emery. “We joined in the transfer window, four players, really helping and really increasing our competitive way, to get the points we are getting.”

And he believes the impact of the Villa Park crowd can push the home side to new levels when they take on PSG.

Villa have not lost a Premier League or Champions League game at home since a 2-0 defeat in August by Arsenal, who could be waiting for the victors in the semi-finals.

“We have to share our momentum with our supporters at Villa Park, it’s always so, so special,” reiterated Emery.

“Try to feel a really strong energy, positive energy on the field and in the stadium. Enjoy, play and try to play our best football to get closer to achieving our objectives in the Champions League.”

Despite all that, PSG are still the favourites on paper and Enrique was asked if he felt likewise.

“I believe it’s the same,” he said.

“Against Liverpool, the odds were saying we had less of a chance. There are no favourites. The teams here deserve to be here. On the road to the title, many favourites have been eliminated.

“You have to do what it takes and deserve to win on the field.” AFP