Aston Villa’s President of Football Operations, Monchi, praised all concerned at the club after we secured European football again for next season.
Our win over Bournemouth this weekend ensured that we have qualified for a European competition for a third consecutive campaign since Unai Emery was appointed, albeit we don’t yet know which competition we’ll be in.
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With two more games to go this season against Tottenham and Manchester United, Villa will be hoping to collect a maximum six points to put ourselves firmly in contention for a top-five finish, but we’ll need results elsewhere to go in our favour if we are to leapfrog some of our rivals and return to the Champions League.
If that doesn’t happen, we are guaranteed to now be involved in either the Europa League or Europa Conference League.
Nevertheless, qualifying for Europe three years in a row is an impressive achievement in itself given the competitiveness of the Premier League, and so it’s another positive sign of progression, development and consistency as a club, on and off the pitch, under the guidance of influential figures like Emery, Monchi and our owners.
Taking to social media after our win at Bournemouth, Monchi was delighted with one of our objectives being achieved, and for him specifically, it could have a major impact and influence on his planning for the upcoming transfer window in how he strengthens and improves the squad.
“Next season, Aston Villa will be playing in Europe again… It’s amazing!!! Congratulations to our fans, players, workers, Unai and his coaching staff! I can’t forget my “alter ego” [Damian Vidagany],” he wrote on X. “And our owners, Nassef and Wes. Now, there are two games left… we’ll keep dreaming of finishing in the top 5. Up the Villa and enjoy the way.”
Solidifying ourselves as a perennial European outfit is a major shift for the club, not only in building belief and substance in our vision and strategy for where we want to go with this project in the future, but it should also act as a clear message for current players and possible future signings that we’re a club moving in the right direction and capable of competing at the top level consistently.
As noted above, there is still so much to play for this season as we hope we’re able to secure a return to Europe’s top table next year, but all concerned should be proud of what we’ve achieved thus far, and it’s hoped that it continues to help us go from strength to strength in the coming years and our expectations and hopes of what we can achieve can continue to grow.
