Aston Villa’s President of Football Operations, Monchi, and Director of Football Operations, Damian Vidagany, have spoken out after our fixture with Tottenham was rescheduled.
Due to their potential participation in the Europa League Final later this month, it had been reported over the past week or so that the Premier League could change the date of our clash with Spurs to give them additional time to prepare for the possible showpiece event.
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From Villa’s perspective, it was a move that the club challenged given the impact it would have on our supporters who have already booked tickets and made plans to attend the fixture on the previous date, while having had a similar request of our own rejected last month when we were still competing the Champions League, it certainly seems unfair and inconsistent to then grant another team the same favour.
As per the Premier League’s statement, the fixture has now been changed as instead of taking place on Sunday May 18, we’ll host Tottenham at Villa Park on Friday May 16, with a 19:30 KO time.
As noted above, aside from the huge inconvenience for our supporters who have already made plans to attend the game on the original date and may not be able to make the new date, Villa also have a lot on the line in our remaining three league encounters as we continue to chase Champions League qualification.
In turn, there has rightly been an angry response from Villa fans, and that sentiment has been shared by both Monchi and Vidagany, who have taken to social media to express their frustration with the situation, but ultimately are forced to accept the decision.
“The change of the fixture of Tottenham is not what we wanted,” Monchi wrote on X. “We were not entitled to keep it and we got the least damaging alternative. Our fans didn’t deserve but we tried hard to keep the match to protect the most important for us: YOU and OUR TEAM. We need you on Friday. Always Up the Villa!!!”
Meanwhile, Vidagany added: “Fixture changed and honestly, not happy. But it could be even worst. We really pushed -everyone in the club at different levels- with solid and fair grounds to protect our fans ( our main task and duty) and keep the Spurs match on Sunday. Nothing against Spurs. Considering the alternatives ( much worst Wednesday or Thursday) and the process conducted, the final outcome to play on Friday is the less damaging we could get Why? EPL wanted both English teams ( potential but not confirmed yet UEL finalists) have more and equal rest. Saturday was better but FA didn’t accept any match on Saturday ( FA Cup final protection). And it was not considered never to move Chelsea- United to Sunday and then match it with our original fixture, because FA Women’s Final on Sunday was colliding and both clubs involved didn’t want to go Sunday. And then the truth is SKY helped us to go Friday and not to go earlier in midweek.
“At the end, it is what it is. Hopefully in the future all of them would remind the clear prejudice in this case to Villa fans and will be consistent and equally supportive, if we need changes to help us in Europe ( If hopefully we are there). We didn’t feel this support last season or this one. European football is not only demanding for English clubs just on the verge of the finals. Now we need to accept and create the best atmosphere we can for our team. Remain confident: we did and will do everything for AVFC. Thanks for your support and loyalty. UTV!!”
It’s not the first time, and it certainly won’t be the last, where Vidagany in particular has communicated well with supporters and built that connection with the fanbase, and so it’s great to hear both him and Monchi come out publicly to address the issue with the fans and convey their efforts to do their best for the club’s interests.
While it ultimately didn’t go our way on this occasion as we’re forced to make the necessary changes, as noted above, this needs to be brought up in future scenarios where we’re hopefully competing in Europe and seeking an advantage to rest players for longer before key games.
We weren’t afforded that luxury this year, and so it will be fascinating to see what the Premier League decide to do if the same situation presents itself next season and we’re looking to reschedule a game, particularly based on this precedent, and what their possible reasons are for not being as accommodating.
