Aston Villa are ready to begin another Champions League journey, but Unai Emery is already looking beyond the opening-night challenge against Club Brugge. With Villa travelling to the Jan Breydel Stadium on Tuesday evening, Emery has reaffirmed his ambition to take the Birmingham club all the way in Europe, despite a summer of major squad changes.
Key Highlights
- Aston Villa begin their Champions League league-phase campaign away to Club Brugge
- Unai Emery has set his sights on winning the Champions League with Villa
- Emery admits his reshaped squad will need time and patience to adapt
- Leon Goretzka and Johan Manzambi face fitness concerns, while Joao Gomes is available
Villa Open European Journey Against Club Brugge
Villa begin their Champions League league-phase campaign with a trip to face Club Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadium on Tuesday evening. It will be the Villans' third visit to Sint-Andries since November 2024, following a 1-0 defeat before they responded with a 3-1 knockout victory in March.
Emery's side will be looking to sharpen their attacking edge after failing to score in their opening three Premier League games of the season. A strong result in Belgium would provide valuable momentum as Villa look to make their mark on another European campaign.
Emery Reveals Champions League Ambition
Despite a major overhaul of the squad during the summer, Emery insists his ambitions for Aston Villa have not changed. Established stars have departed while a younger group of players has arrived, but the Spanish manager remains determined to compete at the highest level of European football.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Emery made his long-term objective clear, explaining that his dream is to win the Champions League as a coach and manager. He also recalled dreaming of bringing Villa back into European competition when he first arrived at the club, with the Champions League representing the highest level of the game.
For Emery, the ultimate goal is now to compete for trophies while continuing to establish Villa as a consistent presence in Europe.
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Emery Calls for Patience From Reshaped Villa Squad
Villa's European stature has grown significantly under Emery, progressing from the Europa Conference League semi-finals to the Champions League quarter-finals before lifting the Europa League last season.
The Spanish boss has also collected five winners' medals from Europe's second-tier competition during his managerial career. However, he recognises that the latest Villa squad must quickly build chemistry following the summer changes.
Emery acknowledged that the process may require patience and time, but stressed that European football offers no room to wait. He insisted that Villa must immediately compete at the required level when they face Brugge and begin their Champions League campaign.
Squad Fitness Tests Villa's Depth
Villa will also have to manage fitness concerns as they prepare for their European opener. Midfielder Leon Goretzka is absent with a knee issue, while young forward Johan Manzambi has remained in England to continue his recovery.
There is positive news for Joao Gomes, however, with the midfielder available for selection in Belgium. His three-match domestic suspension does not carry over to European competition.
With an away victory potentially providing an important early boost, Villa will be hoping to start their Champions League campaign strongly before returning to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
