- Nigel Reo-Coker believes Aston Villa needs to win the Europa League this season
- Unai Emery’s side progressed through to the semi-finals of the competition after beating Bologna 4-0 on Thursday night and 7-1 on aggregate
- They have three games to go before potentially lifting the trophy in Istanbul
Former Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker believes that for the club to progress, they need to win the Europa League, as the competition “defines their season.”
On Thursday night, the Villans made easy work of their quarter-final opponents Bologna, with a 4-0 thumping at Villa Park. The result meant they won the tie 7-1 on aggregate and will now face Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals.
Speaking on CBS’s The Golazo Show, Reo-Coker spoke about the importance of success in the Europa League for Villa.
“You talk about progression, what is progression to you? For me, I look at Aston Villa, at what he’s (Emery) done, taking them to the Champions League, then this year the Europa League. They should win that competition.
“For me now, progression is winning this. That’s what you do, you win this, you still fight for the top four finish, then you try and kick on again next year; you try and get back into the Champions League.”
This is a crucial month-and-a-half for the club, as failing to qualify for Europe’s elite competition will be detrimental for the future. Financial restrictions will become even tighter, and they will be forced to sell key players.
Furthermore, all the progress and success they have achieved under Unai Emery will take a significant step back, as they will have to rebuild.
Now is their opportunity to make a statement and show that they are a team that can consistently compete at the top of the Premier League, despite the financial obstacles they have had to deal with.
The Europa League will “define their season”
Reo-Coker, who played 102 times in claret and blue, was asked what he believes Villa’s season should be judged.
“Personally, for a club like Aston Villa, I would say this is the competition that defines their season. This is about progression and winning, not about participating.”
Whilst these are strong words, they probably replicate what every Villa supporter is thinking about the competition. Securing this trophy, alongside a top-four finish, would validate the rapid growth they have had over the last few seasons.
Success in Europe is seen as the benchmark for establishing the club as one of the elite in world football. Not only would it do great things financially, but it would achieve the lifelong dreams of the whole fanbase of seeing their team lift a piece of silverware.
