Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League campaign has come to an end after a semi-final exit to Olympiakos. Despite the disappointment, midfielder John McGinn sees it as a valuable learning experience for the team. McGinn acknowledges that the journey has not been smooth, but believes that reaching the semi-finals is a significant achievement in itself.
Villa faced an uphill battle in the second leg, needing to overturn a 4-2 deficit from the first leg. Unfortunately, they were unable to produce the comeback they needed, losing 2-0 on the night and 6-2 on aggregate. McGinn admits that Olympiakos was the better team and that the scoreline reflects that.
Looking ahead, McGinn emphasizes the importance of learning from this experience to improve in future European competitions. He believes that Villa needs to learn how to manage crucial moments better. Despite falling short this year, the captain remains determined to get back into a similar position and reach a final in the future.
In terms of their domestic campaign, Villa still has a chance to secure Champions League football for next season. If Tottenham loses to Burnley or if Villa beats Liverpool, they will secure a top-four finish. This would be a remarkable achievement for Villa, considering it is their first time playing in Europe since 2010.
Manager Unai Emery shares McGinn’s sentiments about their Europa Conference League journey. He sees it as an amazing season for Villa, especially considering their return to European competition after such a long absence. Even without securing Champions League qualification, Emery believes that participating in the Europa League next year is a significant achievement for the club.
Emery’s message to the team is clear – they need to move on quickly and focus on finishing the season strong. While there is disappointment and frustration, he wants the players to remain motivated and determined. The experience gained from this European campaign will undoubtedly benefit Villa as they continue to build and compete at a higher level.
Overall, Villa’s Europa Conference League journey may have ended in disappointment, but it has provided valuable lessons and experience for the team. McGinn and Emery both recognize the importance of learning from this season and using it as motivation for future success. With the possibility of Champions League qualification still within reach, Villa has plenty to play for in the remaining fixtures.