Aston Villa boss Unai Emery fires 'Champions League' warning ahead of Chelsea clash

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery says they are desperate to get Champions League football and stay in Europe ahead of their crucial Premier League game against Chelsea this weekend. Chelsea have lost their last two games and need to respond to dial down the pressure on manager Mauricio Pochettino. 

But Villa have their own targets and wants to secure Champions League football under their ambitions manager who has just signed a new deal at the club. 

Speaking ahead of the final stretch of the season, Emery said he aimed to continue to keep the team in Europe and establish them as a top side. 

He told beIN Sports Asia: "The time is passing so quickly, but it's been fantastic. We are progressively getting better and developing everything like we wanted to, when I decided to come here and take this challenge with Nassef, Wes Edens and Aston Villa. 

“My target was, and is still, to be in Europe - to be in the Conference League, Europa League, Champions League. In the end, my target is to be with Aston Villa in the Champions League.”

Chelsea to miss Enzo Fernandez for the rest of the season

Chelsea will be without Enzo Fernandez for the remainder of the season with the Argentinian set to undergo surgery to correct a hernia problem. Reports say he’s been playing with it for a while but has decided to have surgery to help him be ready for the Copa America in the summer. 

His absence will mean manager Pochettino will have to adjust his team selection as they look to at least finish in a European spot.