Emery wants to turn Villa into title challengers

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery wants to turn the club into title contenders after reaching the Champions League.

Villa wrapped up fourth spot, qualifying for the Champions League, after Tottenham's 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.

They go to Crystal Palace for Sunday's final Premier League game of the season 20 points behind leaders Manchester City.

But Emery wants to bridge that gap and take Villa to the next level, as they hunt a first title since 1981.

He said: "It is a dream. It is very difficult. When we were at the beginning of the season playing two matches against City and Arsenal, we won both matches. We were there.

"Those teams are amazing with consistency. I want to get better and I have my dreams and I believe in my dreams. Of course my objectives is to win the Premier League or the Champions League.

Emery said his Villa team celebrated their achievement on Tuesday night after Spurs' defeat.

"The party on Tuesday was fantastic. I was really happy with the players and coaches. I know how important it is to be there [in the Champions League] and compete in it," he said.

"Through the Premier League, to get it is very difficult. To get it is fantastic. Now, after the next challenge, it is about preparing for the new season.”

Emery's only league title came in 2018 with Paros St-Germain but he has won the Europa League four times.

He says Villa will still have to be clever in the transfer market, despite the financial boost of Champions League cash, but feels the club can match his ambitions.

He said: “When I arrived here, my conversations with [owners] Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens were about winning trophies and getting Europe. To get there you have to be competitive.

"Even if we don’t have the budget, we have to be intelligent and clinical in our decisions. This is still my objective. We are in the Champions League and we want to keep it. It is our challenge.”