Emery urges Villa to make most of reduced home comfort

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has called on his team to take advantage of their upcoming home match against Fenerbahce in the Champions League. Emery acknowledged that Villa's performance at Villa Park has been a significant factor in their rise in the Premier League table, as they are now back in the competition for the second consecutive year.

However, the team has yet to secure a victory at home this season, with two defeats and a draw from their three matches played. One potential reason for this slump may be the reduced attendance at Villa Park, as the North Stand is currently under renovation for Euro 2028 and the stadium is undergoing extensive redevelopment.

Emery emphasized that while the club is making progress, there is still room for improvement. He discussed the importance of addressing the issue of not winning at Villa Park, stating that a win against Fenerbahce would be a crucial step forward for the players' confidence and overall performance. Emery reiterated that Villa Park is a special place for the club, much like the four years they spent there as a fortress, and that tomorrow's match presents a new opportunity to reaffirm that status.

The Spaniard also addressed the team's current injuries, with Italian defender Matteo Ruggeri set to be out for more than a month due to a hamstring injury. Emery highlighted the need to find solutions to ensure the team maintains its strength, as Ian Maatsen remains unavailable for the Champions League second-round fixtures.