Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Wed 20 May 2026 8:10, UK

Aston Villa have been told what to expect as they prepare to face Freiburg in the Europa League final on Wednesday evening.

The 44-year wait for a European final appearance will end, as the Villans travel to Istanbul.

Unai Emery’s side returned to winning ways on Friday, with their 4-2 victory over Liverpool sealing a return to the Champions League next season already.

Hoping to put the perfect finishing touch on the campaign, they now face a Freiburg side fresh from securing a Conference League place on the final day of the Bundesliga season.

Ahead of the Europa League final showdown, Bundesliga expert Peter Weis has shared his thoughts from the Badeners’ perspective.

Freiburg lauded as praise piled on Julian Schuster

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Weis, a Baden-Württemberg-based journalist at Get German Football News Now, shared his thoughts from Freiburg’s perspective.

“The fact that Julian Schuster not only led Freiburg back to Europe in his first year in charge, but also has the Breisgauer knocking on the door of the Champions League, is obviously huge,” he said, with Freiburg currently in their third European campaign in four years.

Taking the job in 2024, Schuster replaced the hugely popular Christian Streich, who led the Black Forest club for 13 years before his departure, having served in multiple roles for a total of 29 years.

“The end of Christian Streich’s long tenure left most Germans sceptical that the young new coach would be able to fill the shoes of the ‘cult legend’,” added Weis.

“Schuster inherited a team surrounded by question marks last season, yet famously led the club back to the Europa League. Much of that was down to the fiery late-season form of two of our favourites, Johan Manzambi and Noah Atubolu.”

Manzambi, in particular, has continued to grow in stature this season after breaking through in 2024.

Although Weis was full of praise for the experienced core of the group, including former captain and current boss Schuster.

“Atubolu, Vincenzo Grifo, and captain Christian Günter have all broken club records this season. Schuster himself has left most observers misty-eyed with his post-match interviews, in which he expresses his heartfelt gratitude for having the privilege of coaching the club,” he added.

“Veteran Breisgau native Matthias Ginter’s inspired form, particularly in the Europa League, has left many Germans convinced that he should return to the national team.

“Simply put, it’s been a magical season for the players and the coach,” Weis concluded.

Aston Villa must avoid Freiburg banana skin

Aston Villa head into Wednesday’s encounter as clear favourites, although Freiburg are expected to pose a serious challenge.

Still chasing the first major honour in their history, the German side will aim to stay disciplined and difficult to break down.

They have also shown during this run that they can be ruthless in attack, as demonstrated by scoring four times against Leipzig from only five big opportunities.

Even so, Unai Emery is no stranger to occasions like this and will be targeting what would be his fifth Europa League crown.

Freiburg, meanwhile, are among the few clubs in Germany that remain entirely supporter-owned.

That model means they work with far fewer financial resources than their Premier League opponents, with much of the squad made up of academy products or players signed for minimal fees.

Schuster devoted a decade to the club before retiring in 2018, and he stepped into the top job in 2024 following Christian Streich, who had spent 20 years in a variety of coaching positions at Freiburg, including 13 as manager.

Villa may look stronger on paper, but they cannot afford to underestimate opponents who have little pressure and plenty of incentive.