Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is brimming with enthusiasm as the team prepares for a pivotal UEFA Champions League clash against Celtic at Villa Park this Wednesday evening. Under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, the Villans have experienced a season characterised by inconsistency, with performances fluctuating across various competitions.
Following a 1-1 draw against West Ham United, managed by Graham Potter, Villa now faces a formidable challenge in their upcoming encounter with Brendan Rodgers' Celtic. Ramsey played a crucial role in the West Ham match, netting Villa's only goal, and he is eager to replicate this success on the European stage. The team's previous Champions League outing ended in disappointment, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to AS Monaco, which has prompted Emery to instil a sense of urgency and focus within his squad.
In a press conference ahead of the match, Ramsey underscored the significance of the fixture, stating, "Any Champions League game is always going to be a big game, especially at Villa Park. Tomorrow night we need the three points to try and get automatic qualification. It's going to be a tough match." While both teams have already secured their places in the knockout stages, they are vying for a top-eight finish, adding further weight to this encounter.
Ramsey is acutely aware of the challenge posed by Celtic, anticipating an electric atmosphere both on the pitch and in the stands. "I'm sure the Celtic fans will bring their atmosphere, but I know Villa fans are going to bring a great atmosphere, and it's going to be a really good game," he remarked.
Reflecting on his previous encounters with teams managed by Brendan Rodgers, Ramsey noted the technical prowess of their opponents. "I've played against Brendan Rodgers before when he was at Leicester. They were a really technical team, like to pass the ball. I'm sure tomorrow they'll want to come and make a statement at Villa Park and try to impress. It's going to be a really hard game, an intense game, physical game. We're looking forward to it."
Ramsey also shared a personal reflection on his football journey, recalling his time at the Villa Academy and his dream of playing in the Champions League. "To think when I was eight years old when I signed for Villa, to be playing in the Champions League at 23 years old and at Villa Park, with my family and friends in the stadium," he reminisced. "It's a 'pinch me' moment, really."
Despite the emotional significance of the occasion, Ramsey remains resolutely focused on the match. He acknowledged the pre-match atmosphere, stating, "I'm sure before the game when the music comes on, the anthem comes on, I'll be looking up to my family and friends. After that, it's focus on the game."
His confidence has been bolstered by recent performances, including scoring his first Premier League goal of the season in the draw against West Ham. "It was really good to get that feeling again," he noted, while also recalling his earlier Champions League goal against BSC Young Boys.
As Aston Villa prepares to face Celtic for the first time in their history, Ramsey is determined to make a significant contribution to what he hopes will be another memorable chapter in the club's European journey. With anticipation building for this exciting matchup at Villa Park, both players and fans alike are looking forward to an engaging contest.