Thu Sep 25 18:10:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, struggling with his team’s poor start to the Premier League season, looks to the Europa League for a much-needed boost. Emery has a stellar record in the competition, having won it four times. Aston Villa has been underperforming and hampered by financial fair play rules and recruitment failures. Key figures have departed or failed to live up to expectations. There are also questions as to whether their style of play still fits the Premier League’s current trend. Despite these concerns, the Europa League offers an opportunity for redemption, and Emery might focus on it as a potential route to the Champions League.

**News Article:**

**Emery Seeks Europa League Redemption as Aston Villa Stumbles**

**Birmingham, England** – Under-pressure Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is hoping the Europa League can provide a much-needed turnaround for his faltering side, which has had a disappointing start to the Premier League season. After drawing to Sunderland, Aston Villa are now the last top four Premier League club to score a goal.

Emery is renowned for his success in the competition, having lifted the trophy a record four times with Sevilla and Villarreal. This success has created pressure for the team to return to the glory of last season. Some believe that the club is paying the price for its failure to return to the Champions League. With January being the beginning of big changes for Aston Villa, it is expected that something will come of the team’s struggles.

However, Aston Villa’s performance has been lackluster, and the club is grappling with financial fair play regulations and questionable recruitment decisions. The departure of key figures, including sporting director Monchi, adds to the uncertainty. The team is now dealing with a new talent spotter from Spain and it will be intriguing to see if former Real Sociedad director of football Roberto Olabe can tap markets such as Ecuador.

Critics question whether Emery’s tactical approach aligns with the Premier League’s increasingly athletic and fast-paced style. Despite these challenges, the Europa League represents a chance for Villa to rediscover their form and potentially secure a coveted Champions League spot. Emery, known for prioritizing cup competitions, may well see this as their best path forward.

If Emery can replicate his past Europa League triumphs, he will solidify his legacy as one of Aston Villa’s greatest modern managers. But, should their Premier League struggles extend to the European stage, the road to the Europa League final in Istanbul could be a challenging one.

(For Europa League viewing schedules, check your local TV provider or CBS Sports Network, CBS Sports Golazo Network, and Paramount+.)

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