Unai Emery believes that Aston Villa should not be a candidate to win the FA Cup before Cardiff faced the fifth round on Friday.
The villans are just two games from the semi-finals after sending the rivals of the Premier League in West Ham and Tottenham and, after a cheap draw against the championship fighters, have a strong bet to reach the last phases.
A number of large teams have already been sent in the tournament, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea all lost in previous rounds.
Nevertheless, Emery, whose villa team is fighting for Europe, does not believe that they are one of the stronger candidates for the whole way.
Before the draw against the Bluebirds, Emery said: “We are not a candidate. Why? Because there are other teams with more options than we do to win this competition.
“It is a way for a trophy and a possibility for Europe. The winner will play in the Europa League next year.
“We have three options (to get in Europe): Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. We are not a candidate in FA Cup to win this trophy.
“It is very important to take part in this competition and have a way for a trophy. And then prestige. Every player, the club, the coaches – everyone also wants to try to get prestige. “
🗣️ With our opponents: “Firstly, we have respect for the competition. Second, we respect every team that competes in this round. Of course, Cardiff is a championship team, but we have our own experiences two years ago with Stevenage, for example. ” pic.twitter.com/wbxhlbrpll
– Aston Villa (@avfcofficial) February 27, 2025
Emery demands consistency
The inconsistent season of Villa may be summarized perfectly from her last three games after I was impressed by Crystal Palace in a draw against Liverpool and the victory over Chelsea before being beaten on Tuesday.
They were more impressive in the FA cup after winning in West Ham and Spurs.
Emery added: “We are consistent this year in this competition. At home against West Ham and Tottenham we played and won two games.
“Tomorrow is another opportunity to be consistent again and again. Our demands are in different ways, individual and together, to get trust, feel comfortable, try to give our supporters our wishes in this competition.
“We are not a candidate, but if we can continue in this competition, we will compete with something important.”
Emery wants to annoy herself
He added to the Friday opponent: “Firstly, we have respect for the competition. Second, we respect every team that competes in this round.
“Of course Cardiff is a championship team, but two years ago we have our own experiences with Stevenage, for example. We were not successful last year and two years ago.
“We play at home in Villa Park and have to feel strong. To be consistent is our challenge. “
Aston Villa Fa Cup Team News
Emery said Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Martinez were doubts about the cardiff game, and Mings misses the game in the Palace before their star goalkeeper was withdrawn at halftime.
On the fitness of the rest of his squad, Emery added: “Barkley is not for tomorrow. Onana, doubt. Kamara, doubts. They are about to come back, but we will see this afternoon.
“Painting, he’s sick, but hopefully he can recover for tomorrow. It is different, but it depends on it.
“More or less, these are the news about the players how we will be tomorrow.”
