Unai Emery keen for extended European run with Aston Villa
Unai Emery was delighted with Aston Villa advancing in Europe (Joe Giddens/PA)
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery said it was mission accomplished after his side cruised into the European Conference League group stage with an 8-0 aggregate win against Hibernian.
Villa were 5-0 up from a resounding win in Edinburgh last week and completed formalities in the second leg as first-half goals from Jhon Duran and Leon Bailey put them out of sight.
Substitute Matty Cash sealed a 3-0 win on the night as Villa hosted European football for the first time since 2010 and they now await Friday’s group-stage draw in Monaco to learn who they will face.
Four-time Europa League winner Emery said: “Yes of course (I’m happy). We finished it tonight.
“We needed to be in the group stage and we have to be happy and enjoy it with our supporters.
“Today it was a full stadium and to finish and qualify was fantastic. I’m really happy because I really enjoy it in Europe and I want to enjoy it now with Aston Villa.”
The Spaniard is expecting Villa to complete the loan signing of Clement Lenglet before the transfer window closes on Friday.
“He’s not completely signed, but he’s close to signing with us,” Emery said.
Clement Lenglet is close to an Aston Villa move (Mike Egerton/PA)
“He’s a player who can help us. With the injury to Tyrone Mings, he can replace him in the squad.”
Emery said it “was possible” that Philippe Coutinho could leave Villa Park on deadline day and added: “I’m very happy with our squad.
“The club made a big effort to complete our squad. There’s still one day to go and we’re going to be ready.”
Hibs are going through a difficult spell having sacked manager Lee Johnson on Sunday after a home defeat to Livingston had left them bottom of
Read on belfasttelegraph.co.uk
