Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is approaching the upcoming fixture against Celtic with a measured sense of caution, recognising the unique challenges posed by the Scottish club. While he reflects on his previous encounters with Celtic during his time at Paris Saint-Germain, he is keen to emphasise that those experiences bear little relevance to the current context. As he prepares to welcome Brendan Rodgers and his squad to Villa Park, Emery recalls past victories, including emphatic wins of 7-1 and 5-0 in 2017, but insists that such results do not influence the present.
Emery acknowledges the historical significance of his meetings with Celtic, including a defeat during his tenure at Spartak Moscow in the 2012 Champions League group stage. However, he expresses deep respect for the current Celtic team and their accomplishments this season. "We are facing a prestigious club - a club that has won the Champions League before," he remarked, underscoring the excitement surrounding the fixture for both sets of supporters.
The match is particularly significant for the fans, with a strong Celtic presence expected at Villa Park. Emery stated, "It's a very good opponent and a special rivalry for the supporters. Although it's at Villa Park, I know there will be a lot of Celtic supporters here." He also praised Brendan Rodgers, acknowledging the successful spells he has had at clubs such as Leicester City and Celtic, alongside previous roles at Swansea City and Liverpool. "Brendan Rodgers is a fantastic coach. He's shown it at Leicester and of course Celtic, but also going back to Swansea and Liverpool," he noted.
Reflecting on past encounters with Rodgers, Emery recalled, "The last time we were together it was at Leicester City and it was always difficult against teams he managed. It was a different moment with PSG, with different teams." He emphasised the importance of respect in their upcoming encounter, recognising Celtic’s winning mentality and experience. "This time we will respect them. They are a winning team, and they have a winning mentality. They are used to winning every week in the league."
Emery further acknowledged that Celtic’s players are seasoned in the Champions League, arriving at Villa Park with confidence. "They will feel they can get close to us in terms of performances. I have analysed them, and they are in this position because they have a good coach and good players. They have players who now feel like Champions League players. We will need to be ready for that at the start of the match."
In preparation for the encounter, Emery has conducted thorough analyses of Celtic's recent performances, stating, "I have analysed them and watched their matches in this competition. I have no doubt they will come here trying to beat us."
Aston Villa captain John McGinn, a lifelong supporter of Celtic, is expected to focus on securing a vital win for his team, particularly as they aim for a top-eight finish in the league phase. Emery acknowledged the personal significance of the match for McGinn, asserting, "It's maybe a special match for him - but it's special for me too and I'm not Scottish. It's always special being involved in Europe."
Emery is keen for McGinn to deliver his best performance on the pitch, highlighting their professional relationship. "Firstly, professionally, I want the best from him on the pitch and to play. Personally, as a captain we can have a relationship and a respect for one another. But most importantly it is how he plays."
Optimism surrounds Emery's perspective on their current standing in the competition, indicating a potential to finish strongly. "We have 13 points and have the possibility of finishing in the top eight - we have done fantastically well in the competition. Of course I want to be in the top eight. Last week I was a bit pessimistic after the Monaco game but I am more positive. It's not in our hands but we have to win and see. We are excited and motivated."
As Aston Villa prepares to face a formidable Celtic side, Emery remains focused on the tactical challenges ahead, promising an exciting contest at Villa Park that is sure to engage both sets of supporters.