Aston Villa's goalkeeper, Emi Martinez, has articulated a steadfast commitment to securing silverware for the club, with a particular emphasis on a successful FA Cup campaign. Regarded by fans and teammates as one of the finest goalkeepers in the world, Martinez's ambitions come at a time when the team faces a demanding schedule, featuring seven matches over the next 22 days. While he may be rested for the upcoming fixture against West Ham, his desire for Villa to progress in the cup is unmistakable.
"I want silverware for the club. I want a cup run and I was very frustrated to be knocked out by Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup. I think the fans deserve to be in Wembley at the end of the season. It is something missing for the club for many years. I want cups and I know the feeling it brings for myself and the fans," Martinez stated, underscoring the emotional bond between victories and the supporters.
Currently, Villa find themselves just four points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, firmly positioned within the top eight of the Premier League. However, it is worth noting that the club has not lifted the FA Cup in over six decades, with their last triumph dating back to 1957. The League Cup has similarly eluded them for 29 years, since the celebrated victory led by Andy Townsend.
"For me, anything is possible in football. When I came here the club were not in the situation we are in now," Martinez reflected. "The season before I arrived, we finished 17th, and then progressively, we were 11th, seventh, and fourth. The season so far has been good - not like I want it to be - but we knew that playing in the Champions League and competing in the top four would be tough. We had to sell players and the new players needed time to adapt, which they are doing now. We are doing well."
Martinez also acknowledged that success in the FA Cup could further bolster his reputation. As a two-time winner of the prestigious Lev Yashin award, he is acutely aware of the necessity to maintain high performance levels. "I was talking to my agent, my dad and my wife, saying that you can't really enjoy awards. It's game after game after game. Once you get to that level you need to perform week in, week out. Everyone expects you to perform and everyone is waiting for you to make a mistake, saying 'that's the best 'keeper making mistakes'. We are struggling to keep clean sheets and that's hurting me a lot because I demand a lot in myself," he remarked.
In a related development, manager Unai Emery has addressed the recent transfer of Jaden Philogene to Ipswich Town for £23 million. Emery had initially hoped to see the England Under-21 international return to Villa Park following a loan spell at Hull City.
"We are trying to get the best for the club, the best for the team and the player. We try to make the best decision, trying to analyse each situation deeply," Emery explained. "Jaden, we believe in him, it is the reason we signed him last summer. We pushed a lot to bring him here. But after the last six months, he was not being consistent for different circumstances, and for the club, other teams were calling us interested in him. It works for the club."
These developments concerning Martinez's aspirations and Philogene's departure reflect the dynamic atmosphere at Aston Villa as the club strives for success this season. With a blend of ambition and strategic decision-making, Villa are poised to make a significant impact in both domestic and European competitions.