Tyrone Mings makes Aston Villa Champions League admission
Unai Emery has taken Aston Villa to the latter stages of two competitions this season and still has his side flying high in the Premier League.
There has been plenty of debate at Villa Park over which achievement would mean the most this season, but Emery will be keeping his eyes firmly on each game as it comes.
Although his side has struggled to cope with the increased amount of games at times, Emery made additions to his side in the winger transfer window and has also had players return from injury.
Tyrone Mings moots Aston Villa success
Tyrone Mings is one man who has returned from the sidelines after some torrid luck with injury issues over the past number of seasons.
The defender has been with Villa from the Championship and has seen them up towards where they are now, meaning he knows exactly what is important to supporters at Villa Park.
Although his role has been reduced this season, as a big presence in the West Midlands, he has played his part from the sidelines and in the dressing room.
| Compeition | Appearances |
| Premier League | 10 |
| Champions Leauge | 4 |
Now he is fit to play again though, the 32-year-old is eager to play his part on the field and says bringing a trophy back to Birmingham is the aim.
Speaking to The Telegraph (30 March), Mings said: “I think everybody’s aligned on that. It has to be a trophy. While we’re in such an amazing period and such a trajectory, we as players want to leave a legacy here far beyond qualifying for the Champions League again.
“The most important people we’re doing it for are the fans because there’s a large proportion of our fanbase that’s never seen us win a trophy. Selfishly, players also get the opportunity to become club legends and create a legacy, and to do things not many other players have done before.”
Asked if that trophy could be the Champions League, he replied: “Well, we’re in the quarter-finals, so it’s not unreasonable to think about winning it. We’re not going to Paris to enjoy a day out.
“The teams that are left in the competition are fantastic teams and we’ve proved we are worthy to be there. It’s not arrogant to think about winning it. But we realise we have a lot of work to do and the standard of opposition you have to beat to win it is maybe higher than the FA Cup.”
Emery has transformed Aston Villa
It’s easy to forget where Aston Villa were as a club just years ago and how far they have come under the new manager.
Emery has certainly changed plenty at Villa Park but having kept the likes of Mings in place too has shown a continuity from one era to another.
The defender has been incredibly unlucky with his injury issues of late but with so many games left to play and plenty on the line, Emery will need all the squad depth he can use and Mings will be ready to play his part.
Those higher up at the club may value a top five Premier League finish due to the revenue it will bring in to the club but, as Mings says, the most important thing has to be a trophy and it’s a chance to really show the changes that have happened in the West Midlands.
Villa haven’t been given an easy ride with PSG up next in the Champions League journey but Emery will be sure to respect his opponent while also not compromising his own side’s game.
If his side can get a result then anything may be possible.