Aston Villa boss, Unai Emery, has stated that the club is not a Premier League title contender this season, with the aim being to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League.
Speaking ahead of the showdown between Villa and Liverpool this weekend, Emery told the media during the pre-match press conference that it is Liverpool that are favourites, while Villa’s objective is one that he has always told everyone at the club.
“My message was very clear [to the club] when we started the season, when we were more or less getting points and being in the top four, but not now,” Emery said.
The former Arsenal and PSG manager added, “Getting to the Champions League this year is the objective for us, but we’re not contending. We’re not favourites. The favourites are Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle… there are seven teams in front of us.”
According to the Spaniard, Arne Slot’s team has enjoyed a good start to the season and it is that form that makes the Reds favourites, not just for the match against Villa, but to win the Premier League and Champions League as well.
“Liverpool is competitively difficult. Liverpool are favourites now to beat us,” Emery declared. “They are competitively favourites to win the Premier League ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal, because they’ve started very well.”
Notwithstanding, Emery says the club is motivated to face Liverpool. “We’re motivated, we’re excited as well. And we’re keeping balance and it’s an amazing match we’ll play against Liverpool as it’s the team leading the Premier League and Champions League we’ll face – and they are our challenge [on Saturday].”