- Hibernian Manager’s Perspective on Aston Villa
- Aston Villa’s Dominant Performance
- Unai Emery’s Satisfaction with Villa’s Approach
Lee Johnson stated that his Hibernian squad faced an Aston Villa team with “almost superhuman” characteristics during their 5-0 Europa Conference League defeat at Easter Road.
It was Villa’s first European match in 13 years, and the first leg of this qualifying playoff was won by the break due to three headers from England’s Ollie Watkins and Jamaica’s Leon Bailey.
Watkins scored a hat-trick three minutes after the resumption of play, and Douglas Luiz added a penalty kick goal in the 74th minute to make next week’s second leg at Villa Park largely irrelevant.
Johnson attempted to contextualize the loss, his 500th competitive game as a manager, as he turned his focus to Saturday’s Scottish Premiership match against Livingston. He stated, “I believe we have a very talented and honorable group of players.” I have faith in them and they consistently give their all.
There is a distinction. Athletically, Premier League athletes are now almost superhuman. It is composed of the world’s most prestigious individuals.
It was a positive experience, and I do not believe it will affect my confidence heading into the game against Livingston. But physical recovery is crucial for us, as we are a team that must optimize our performances by utilizing our running speed and physicality at our level.
“I’m still pleased that the club has reached this level at this stage. The reality is that we have a League One budget, while Aston Villa is an international powerhouse.
“It was evident that there was a class divide; I cannot deny that. At halftime, we wanted to salvage some prestige and give the impression that we were going to win the second half. The difference was one break, one poor positional error, one quality pass, and a great finish.
We began the game fairly well and got behind them, but that was the difference: one break, one poor positional error, one quality pass, and a great finish.
“Having previously competed against Premier League teams, I know that positional errors are severely punished. I therefore expect that this experience will be a positive one, as your lessons can become your instructor. The excellence of Villa’s athleticism, touch, and tactical play tonight has provided us with an opportunity to improve.”
Unai Emery, manager of Villa, was delighted with his team’s approach to Europe’s largest road victory. “Had we not been competitive and serious, we could have encountered difficulties,” he said. “Before the game, we discussed the importance of respecting the opposition and remaining focused and consistent with our game plan. We were aware that if we weren’t, we could have lost. For 90 minutes, we were concentrated, disciplined, and consistent. This is the mindset I wish to instill here.”
Emery disclosed that he replaced custodian Emiliano Martnez with Robin Olsen at the beginning of the second half because the World Cup champion ‘had a minor pain and we didn’t want to take a chance with him’.
John McGinn, a former favorite of Hibs, captained Villa and was a formidable midfielder, much to the pleasure of his manager. “He is incredible,” said Emery. “I am aware that you appreciate him more than I do, but I think he is incredible. From the first to the ninetieth minute, he is always eager to run and compete.
“I am quite pleased with him. And not only as a competitor but also as a person. His dedication is very high. He is always optimistic and cheerful. In both bad and favorable times, he maintains the same mentality. It is remarkable.”
