Unai Emery's worries could fade away in Istanbul.
Published May 25, 2026 • Source: bbc.com
By Nick Mashiter in Istanbul (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/topics/cd11vgpeq9vt)
Football reporter
Unai Emery's worries could fade away in Istanbul.
The Aston Villa boss is ready for Wednesday's Europa League final against Freiburg, the culmination of a season which initially had him concerned.
A winless opening five games - scoring just once - ended with a Europa League victory over Bologna in September.
It was a stuttering three points, thanks to John McGinn's early goal, but it got Villa up and running and they won 17 of their next 19 games.
The biggest match of them all now comes at Besiktas Park against Freiburg, one which could end a 30-year wait for a trophy and create a lasting legacy for Villa and Emery.
His calmness and meticulous nature ensured Villa recovered but the 54-year-old believes the collective effort has shone through.
He said: "I was worried at the beginning. Really worried. I was always trying to find solutions in each moment. I needed the players, I needed the work we did and the reaction we did.
"We are here for it, but we did it together."