Aston Villa defender Pau Torres has opened up on our Champions League disappointment but has outlined key objectives for next season as he continues to play a key role for Unai Emery.
The 28-year-old has firmly established himself as pivotal presence in our backline since arriving from Villarreal in 2023, as he’s since gone on to make 73 appearances for the club.
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While certain games and opposing teams will warrant Tyrone Mings getting the nod in helping us shore things up at the back, Torres provides us with crucial composure and technical quality to help play our preferred style of football out from defence, while he has been a key defensive cog too with the improvements he’s made to his game.
However, he couldn’t hide his disappointment with how last season ended as we missed out on Champions League qualification on the final day of the season, while there was frustration over our exit from the FA Cup in particular after a no-show in our semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace.
As many of us expect, Torres conceded that our planning this summer will be impacted by those shortcomings, but there is faith in Emery, Monchi and the entire recruitment team in ensuring that we improve the squad where possible.
“It was a huge disappointment,” Pau told AS. “The season has been good, as it’s the second-highest in the club’s history after last year, but the Champions League icing on the cake we couldn’t put on the cake leaves a bittersweet taste. A draw at Old Trafford would have been enough, but it slipped away.
“Without a doubt. Being in the Europa League isn’t the same as being in the Champions League, and it could be difficult for the club to maintain the same plan. Monchi, Damiá Vidagany, and Unai have to make adjustments to put together a competitive starting eleven and bench.”
The Villa centre-half was also asked about his compatriot Marco Asensio, who spent the second half of last season on loan with us from Paris Saint-Germain but there has yet to be confirmation either way as to whether or not he will return to us next season, be it on loan again or as a permanent signing.
The 29-year-old playmaker contributed eight goals and one assist in 21 appearances across all competitions, and although he enjoyed an immediate impact and almost played a critical role in helping us achieve our objectives, Villa fell short, and Asensio struggled to back up that fast start.
Nevertheless, Torres is keen on his fellow Spaniard returning next season, and time will tell if that is something Villa are pursuing and can successfully make happen.
“I hope it can be achieved,” he added. “I know Marco has been comfortable and likes the way Unai Emery works and the confidence he’s given him, but the club will have to talk to PSG and see how they can keep a player like that because the leap in quality with him is significant.”
Torres was also asked about his own personal assessment of his time at Villa, and how that’s improved him as a player.
He’s certainly adapted well and been an important figure for Emery in implementing his identity and ideas on the pitch, and although he noted that he would like to return to Spain at some stage, he reiterated his happiness at Villa and outlined what he hopes to achieve next season as we go back in search of silverware and trying to return to the Champions League.
“I think I’ve evolved and am better than before,” Pau said in his self-assessment. “I’ve learned a lot in these two years in England. All the games we play are very competitive and the demands are high. That’s helped me improve my concentration, speed, and focus in duels with opponents, as well as adapt to the very fast pace of the games.
“I want to return to the Spanish national team, which is something I’m really excited about. I also want to give my all in the Europa League to try to win it, play in the FA Cup final, and overcome the thorn in the side of the Champions League with Aston Villa. At 28, I’m still young and have time for it. I’m happy at Aston Villa and motivated by the challenges ahead, but returning to my home country is something I’m excited about for the future, of course.”
