Gabby Agbonlahor makes Aston Villa Champions League claim after what Sawyer asked
Gabby Agbonlahor believes Aston Villa will focus on the Champions League for the remainder of the campaign.
The Villans have had a stop-start season so far which, after a draw against Brighton on Monday (30 December) has left them sitting ninth in the Premier League.
In the new year, Unai Emery’s side will return to European action with clashes against Monaco and Celtic, which could see them secure a top-eight finish and automatic qualification.
Speaking on talkSPORT (31 December, 7:04am) Agbonlahor has suggested Premier League football will come second in the priority list moving forward into the New Year.
He pondered: “Can we go further in the Champions League? Can we get it wrapped up against Monaco at the end of January?”
Sawyer questioned the Villans’ ambitions, she asked: “Is that the priority now, the Champions League?”
Agbonlahor replied sharply: “We’re a Champions League team now, we’ll have to see how far we can get but the Premier League comes second.”
The ex-Villa man was questioned again: “It’s more of a priority now?”
With no doubt in the former striker’s mind, he responded: “Indeed it is.”
Gabby Agbonlahor shares Champions League admission at Aston Villa
There have been some low points so far this season, going eight games without a win in October and November being a particularly frustrating period.
With that being said, the Villans still managed to secure an important win on the continent against RB Leipzig while also drawing with Juventus.
This has left Emery and his side sitting fifth in the Champions League table, which could see one more win secure automatic passage to the round of 16.
That would be a moment to savour for the Villa Park faithful but results must also improve in the Premier League to achieve European qualification again.
Clashes against Leicester City, West Ham and Everton are coming up which could change the tide and push the Villans closer to the top four spots.
Although there may be a focus on the Champions League, domestic action will have a telling impact on how positive this campaign will be on reflection.
In other Aston Villa news, Ian Maatsen hands Emery an advantage in the transfer race for a £25m-rated forward.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.