Unai Emery believes Aston Villa should not be candidates to win the fa cup in front of Cardiff in the fifth round on Friday.
The Villans are only two games away from the semifinals after sending the Premier League West Ham and Tottenham opponents and they look a strong bet to reach the final stages after a favorable tie against the championship matches.
Some large sides have already been shipped to the tournament, also with Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea to lose all in previous rounds.
But despite this, Emery, whose side of the villa is fighting for Europe, does not believe that he is one of the strongest candidates to go all the way.
Before the tie against the Bluebirds, Emery said: “We are not candidates. Why? Because there are other groups with more options than us to win this competition.
“It’s a way for a trophy and it’s a way for Europe. The winner plays next year in the Europa League.
“We have three ways (to get into Europe): Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. We are not candidates in the FA Cup to win this trophy.
“To try to compete in this competition and have a way for a trophy is very important. And then the prestige. Every player, the club, the coaches – everyone would like to try to get the prestige.”
🗣️ to our opponents: “First, we have respect for the competition. Secondly, we respect every team that competes in this round. Of course, Cardiff is a league team, but we have our own experiences two years ago with Stevenage for example.” pic.twitter.com/wbxhlbll
– Aston Villa (@avfcofficial) 27 February 2025
Emery requires consistency
Villa’s inconsistent season may be summarized by their last three games, impressed in a draw against Liverpool and win over Chelsea before breaking 4-1 by Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
They were more impressive in the fa cup after shine in wins over West Ham and Spurs.
Emery added: “We are consistent in this competition this year. At home against West Ham and Tottenham we played two matches and won.
“Tomorrow is another opportunity to continue to be consistent. Our demands are in different ways, individually and collectively, to get confidence, to get comfortable, to try to convey to our supporters our desires in this competition.
“We are not candidates, but if we can continue in this competition, we will be closer to competition for something important.”
Emery willing to avoid disruption
Friday’s opponents added: “First, we have respect for competition. Secondly, we respect every team that competes in this round.
“Of course, Cardiff is a league team, but we have our own experiences two years ago with Stevenage for example. We were not successful last year two years ago.
“We play at home at Villa Park and we have to feel strong. To be consistent is our challenge.”
Aston Villa Fa Cup team news
Emery said Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Martinez are doubts about Cardiff’s game, with Mings missing the game in the palace before the star retired in the half.
In the gym of his other team, Emery added: “Barkley is not for tomorrow. Onana, doubt. Kamara, doubt. He is close to return, but we will see this afternoon.
“Malen, he’s sick, but we hope he can recover for tomorrow. Being sick is different, but it depends.
“More or less, this is the news for the players, how we will be tomorrow.”
