Ollie Watkins has delivered a raw and emotional message ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final — and Forest’s Ryan Yates has responded with equal honesty.
- Watkins admitted he has never won a senior trophy: “I am very envious of the boys who have”
- The Villa striker insisted this squad’s togetherness makes the opportunity uniquely precious
- Yates praised Villa directly, admitting he sees “not much of a weakness” in Emery’s side
- Kick-off at the City Ground is at 8pm BST — live on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max from 7pm
Watkins: “This is the only moment we will have together”
Ollie Watkins delivered the most emotionally resonant contribution of Thursday’s pre-match media day.
The 30-year-old striker, who has never lifted a senior trophy in his professional career, spoke with rare and genuine vulnerability about what reaching a European final would mean both personally and collectively for this Villa squad.
“That feeling of getting Champions League football a few years ago was unbelievable, but to lift a trophy, personally I have never done it,” the England international admitted openly.
“A few of the boys have won trophies in the changing room and I am very envious of them. It’s something I strive to do.”
That raw honesty from a player whose goals have been central to Villa’s entire European campaign will resonate powerfully with every supporter who shares that same longing for silverware after thirty years of waiting.
His most compelling words, however, concerned the time-sensitive and collective nature of the opportunity.
Watkins clearly understands that this specific group of players, this precise combination of talent, experience, and shared purpose, will not exist forever. Transfers happen. Players leave. Squads evolve. This window is unique.
“The thing with squads is that they change every year and players always leave,” the 30-year-old stated with striking clarity.
“This is the only moment we are going to have with all of the same players in the dressing room this year. We need to do everything we can to get to the end.”
He also drew a deeply personal comparison to underline the magnitude of what Thursday represents.
“I can remember watching Villa’s Championship play-off final and seeing the scenes, how unbelievable that looked. This would be more special.”
Those words will send a shiver down the spine of every Villa supporter who witnessed that Wembley afternoon.
Ryan Yates: “Why can’t we dream?”
Forest midfielder Ryan Yates provided the opposition perspective with admirable directness and genuine competitive enthusiasm.
The 27-year-old did not attempt to downplay Villa’s quality, instead delivering one of the most honest and specific assessments of Emery’s side heard from any opponent this season.
“They have strength throughout the team, a striker who is scoring goals and midfielders who combine fantastically well,” Yates stated. “I don’t think there’s much of a weakness to their team, to be honest. So we have to be at our absolute best.”
A generous and unprompted acknowledgement of Villa’s qualities, from within the opposing camp, days before the biggest game of Forest’s recent history, that reflects a player who has prepared with genuine thoroughness and intellectual honesty.
Nevertheless, the Forest midfielder was equally clear about his own club’s belief and ambition.
“Aston Villa over two legs is going to be very difficult, but if we show that passion, that desire and give our absolute best, then why can’t we and also the fans dream?” Yates insisted.
“I think you can’t not be excited about being in a semi-final.” Furthermore, his acknowledgement of the City Ground’s unique European atmosphere provided a timely reminder of why Forest at home represent a genuine and serious obstacle.
“There’s just been a special buzz at the City Ground every time we’ve played there in Europe,” the midfielder added. “We’ve given a really good account of ourselves so far.“
Forest also carry the weight of their own extraordinary history into Thursday’s tie, back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980 under Brian Clough. “As soon as you sign for Nottingham Forest you understand the history,” Yates acknowledged. “But we’re here now to make our own.”
Watkins wants his first trophy. Yates insists Forest can dream. Two clubs with European pedigree. One place in the Istanbul final.
