Aston Villa are embarking on an encouraging path towards Premier League contention, yet significant challenges remain ahead. These insights were shared by Stiliyan Petrov, the esteemed former captain of both Aston Villa and Celtic, during a recent interview with Football365. Petrov was taking part in a fundraising event for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) last Sunday, where he emphasised the vital importance of mental health awareness.
Reflecting on Villa's prospects under the stewardship of Unai Emery, Petrov acknowledged the formidable obstacles the club faces. "It will be difficult," he remarked. "The challenge lies in maintaining consistency throughout the season. You can see it’s not just Manchester City at the top; Liverpool and Arsenal are formidable competitors as well. The champions of the league rarely lose more than five matches, and that's the level of understanding Villa must strive for."
Petrov also highlighted the current season as crucial for the club to adequately demonstrate its competitive capabilities. "Villa are heading in the right direction," he asserted. "To compete effectively, they must ensure consistency and boost their financial resources to attract quality players. There is still a notable gap between them and the top teams, but with ambitious ownership, the future looks bright."
The former midfielder praised Emery’s management style, particularly noting the considerable autonomy he possesses at Aston Villa. "At both Villarreal and Villa, he has been granted significant power in shaping the sporting strategy, from coaching to player acquisitions and establishing a club philosophy," Petrov pointed out. "This kind of trust in a manager is rare, and it's evident that Emery has a clear vision for the team."
Looking ahead, Villa are set to face Celtic in January for the eagerly awaited ‘Petrov derby’ in the Champions League. When asked about Celtic players that might fit into Emery's plans, Petrov identified several standout candidates, including Alistair Johnston and Callum McGregor. "Kyogo Furuhashi brings positivity through his movement, and Reo Hatate is developing into a strong box-to-box midfielder," he observed. "There are numerous players from Celtic who could make an impact at Aston Villa."
As the fixture approaches, Petrov conveyed his excitement for the matchup. "I’m eagerly anticipating this game," he said. "Both teams feature exceptional managers and attacking styles, which should create an exciting contest. There will be plenty of space for exploitative plays, and with both sides chasing points, it promises to be a thrilling encounter."
In terms of Villa's prospects in the league, Petrov offered a positive outlook, suggesting that the team has a real chance to finish within the top eight. "They have several crucial matches ahead that they can win," he stated. "It’s going to come down to the wire, especially with some big teams still needing to secure their points. Only time will reveal where they will end up."
Petrov’s reflections not only illuminate Aston Villa's present ambitions but also set the stage for the exhilarating challenges that lie ahead as the club strives to reclaim its status among England’s elite teams.