Unai Emery of Aston Villa Targets Fresh 'Era' in European Football Ahead of Nottingham Forest Clash

The pair of Premier League sides, set to face off in Thursdays opening fixture at the City Ground, stand just one match from their initial European final in many years.

Nottingham Forest claimed the Champions League, known back then as the European Cup, during 1979 and 1980, while Villa lifted the trophy in 1982 amid a prosperous period for English sides.

Since taking the helm in 2022, Emery has breathed new life into the Birmingham outfit, yet they remain without a significant honour for three decades.

In the 2023/24 campaign, Villa fell in the UEFA Conference League semi finals to Olympiakos, and they repeated the heartbreak in the prior years FA Cup semi final versus the eventual champions Crystal Palace.

Heading into Thursdays encounter with Forest, Villa know they are well positioned for next seasons Champions League spot, as the Premier Leagues top five finishers secure a place in Europes top club tournament.

Emery expressed his desire to create a "new era" alongside Villa.

"We plan to draw on our past lessons to improve in this tie," the Spanish coach remarked during Wednesdays pre match media session.

"Naturally, I understand the challenge of a semi final victory, given its an even contest between the sides, and they possess strong players, a capable manager with European expertise.

"They also carry momentum and self belief in their current form."

Emery boasts an impressive Europa League history, having guided Sevilla and Villarreal to four victories combined.

"Certainly, I bring my prior knowledge, including in this tournament, along with varied dynamics, though its all entirely distinct," he noted.

"In the sport, whatever came before, whether brilliant or otherwise, is history, and now marks a fresh start, one I aim to author here."

Emery anticipates a stern challenge from Forest, who remain undefeated across their last eight outings in various competitions, a streak that has allayed their drop zone worries.

"They carry the legacy of Nottingham Forest in Europe, securing the Champions League," he commented. "We share a storied past too, albeit not of late, and lately, both clubs seek to achieve something notable on the continental stage."