Yahoo News 'As fast as we can' - Unai Emery's European promise to Aston Villa faithful
Unai Emery says the project he is leading at Aston Villa has only just started as the club prepare to host their first major European semi-final for 42 years.
His side are 180 minutes away from the Europa Conference League final in Athens, but must navigate a tricky two-legged tie against Olympiacos. The Greek giants saw off Fenerbahce in the quarter-finals through a penalty shoot-out, like Villa did against Lille.
"Forty-two years later and here we go again in a European semi-final," Emery's programme notes read. "The giant is awake again as our club said in the motto for the season. But the journey is not complete. We are still dreaming together, we earn the right to do it.
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"The first step, in my experience to be a winner, is to respect the opponent. We must be a humble giant. Last year we celebrated with a great party that we finished seventh. And now we are aiming for the fourth position, having as a normal assumption that our Europa League qualification is done.
"The fast upgrade has come to Villa thanks to the hard work of the players and staff, with you, the fans, delivering the best support. But this is football and all of us - myself included - we want the giant awake and conquering.
"We want to get better as fast as we can. But I remind myself that we must be enjoying these precious moments, but never be frustrated or negative. The project just started.
"Enjoy the way. Forty-two years ago, you and your parents and grandparents dreamt together with a European final. Many young Villa fans never saw nights like this. But they always kept the faith. Let’s do it again for us and for them."
