Unai Emery, the esteemed manager currently at the helm of Aston Villa, has reflected on a pivotal moment in his coaching career—the notorious ‘Remontada’ experienced by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during the 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League. This memorable clash unfolded in two legs, with PSG initially pulling off an extraordinary 4-0 victory against FC Barcelona in the first leg, only to face an unexpected and humbling defeat in the return match at Camp Nou. The Catalan giants, led by the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar, mounted a staggering comeback, winning the match 6-1, and overturning the aggregate score in a historic fashion.
This unforgettable tie, dubbed ‘La Remontada’, which translates to “the comeback,” has lingered in Emery’s mind as he prepares to face his former team. His insights were shared during an interview with TNT Sports, where he highlighted how pivotal events from the past have not only shaped his coaching philosophy but have also reinforced his resilience. Emery stated, “Learning, trying to use positive things after each moment I had in football,” emphasizing the importance of growth through both success and defeat.
Emery continued discussing how such experiences have been pivotal in molding his approach to high-stakes matches. He acknowledged that in the world of football—especially at prestigious levels—extraordinary outcomes can emerge. “With a result like that, in football it can happen,” he articulated. He also expressed his desire to improve through the lessons learned, happily accepting defeats and carrying their weight into his future endeavors, particularly in guiding Aston Villa. As he candidly admitted, the football landscape is filled with unpredictability, and it is crucial to adapt and learn.
In looking ahead, Emery is seeking to maintain an impressive streak, aiming for his ninth consecutive victory in European quarter-finals. Reflecting on the unpredictable nature of football, he noted, “Always, always,” underscoring that remarkable events can occur in the sport. He recounted a personal experience from 1983 when Spain triumphed over Malta with an astonishing score of 12-1, emphasizing that anything is possible in football. He intends to harness these lessons in his current tenure at Aston Villa, aiming to foster pride in the team’s work and style moving forward.
As Aston Villa gears up for their journey in this season’s UEFA Champions League, Emery finds himself bolstered by several strategic January signings. The arrivals of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio have brought a significant rejuvenation to the squad, as they have combined to contribute 16 goals in their first 23 appearances for the club. Asensio, a former star at Real Madrid, has been particularly impressive, netting eight goals in just 11 games, while Rashford has complemented the attack with three goals and four assists.
Youri Tielemans, a key player for Villa, praised the influence of these new signings, stating, “They’ve given us fresh legs,” and emphasized that the team had previously suffered numerous injuries that hampered their performance. He remarked on how the new players have quickly integrated into the squad and made an immediate impact, highlighting their work ethic and adaptability as pivotal in enhancing Villa’s dynamics on the pitch.
As the European football scene continues to evolve, Emery’s strong commitment to learning from past experiences and fostering growth within his team will be pivotal in shaping Aston Villa’s journey in the Champions League this season. With fresh talent and a clear vision, the club hopes to carve a path of success in the competitive landscape, striving to achieve both personal and collective goals amidst the rich tapestry of football history. Streaming for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League will be available on TNT Sports and discovery+, providing fans an opportunity to witness the unfolding drama live.