Unai Emery has identified the Carabao Cup as a trophy target for Aston Villa after their third-round victory over Coventry City.
Villa’s manager also sees the competition as an opportunity to help his summer arrivals settle into the team.
“This competition, our objective is a trophy,” Emery said in comments published in My Old Man Said’s post-match transcript.
Tammy Abraham scored twice in Wednesday’s 3-1 win, with Ross Barkley also on target. Villa will travel to Bournemouth in the fourth round.
Unai Emery sets out Aston Villa’s cup ambitions
Emery described two objectives for the competition: pursuing silverware and developing a team whose new players understand his approach.
He also highlighted the tournament’s European qualification incentive when explaining why Villa want to compete for the trophy.
His comments give a clear indication of how he views the cup alongside the demands of the Premier League and Champions League.
Progress offers further competitive opportunities for players trying to establish themselves. However, Emery’s stated ambition also places an emphasis on results.
Coventry victory gives new signings valuable minutes
Villa handed full debuts to Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Matteo Ruggeri and Ibrahim Mbaye, as detailed in the club’s official team announcement.
Their involvement made Coventry a useful test of how the new arrivals are adapting.
For Villa, the benefit of progressing is therefore immediate as well as longer term. Another cup fixture provides another opportunity to build understanding within the squad.
The Bournemouth tie is scheduled for the week commencing 26 October. Before then, Emery’s immediate attention returns to the league and Saturday’s trip to Tottenham.
Supporters can follow the approaching run of games through our Aston Villa fixtures and results guide.
