Aston Villa

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at home against Newcastle (17:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Emery confirmed he currently has a fully-fit squad to select from: "We are going to train this afternoon and to test the players, to see how they are for tomorrow. It is good news that in the last matches we recovered a lot of players. At the beginning every player is available, unless someone is feeling something or is more tired than normal."

• Andres Garcia and Donyell Malen will return to the squad having not been included in the club's European squad list while Leon Bailey was back in the squad on Thursday and is available and Ross Barkley made his first appearance since mid-January.

• Reacting to Tuesday's dramatic Champions League exit to Paris St-Germain, he said: "It's done. Everything we did is done. Take our experiences together here, try to analyse to continue improving things, but think about the next matches, the match tomorrow."

• On facing Newcastle before Manchester City: "The first step is tomorrow. The first three points we will face against favourites to be in the top five, because they are now really performing very well, they are winning a lot of matches in a row, getting a lot of points. Still 18 points to play for in the Premier League, and they have five points in advantage."

• On the challenge posed by the Magpies: "They are now in their best moment. They are performing very well, they are winning matches, they are feeling confident, they are feeling so strong. The level they have is similar level as PSG's team."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Guess the current Aston Villa player from these three clues:

• I represented my country at Euro 2024 and reached the last 16.

• I have scored the winning goal in an FA Cup final.

• I found the net in Villa's Champions League win against Young Boys in September.

Come back to this page at 17:00 BST for the answer

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Aston Villa have lost five of their past six Premier League games against Newcastle (W1), as many as they had in their previous 16 against the Magpies in the division (W4 D7).

Jacob Murphy has had a hand in 13 goals in his past 17 away Premier League appearances for Newcastle (four goals, nine assists), while he has three assists in seven games against Aston Villa.

Aston Villa have won each of their past four Premier League matches, conceding just one goal. Villa are looking to win five in a row for the first time since April 2023.

England forward Marcus Rashford, 27, hopes his improved form on loan at Aston Villa will attract interest from top European teams, with parent club Manchester United unlikely to welcome him back in the summer. (Talksport), external

The Red Devils have already started to draw up a shortlist of potential replacements for Rashford, with Villa uncertain whether to take up the option to sign him for £40m. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

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"The last minute in Paris..." said Unai Emery wistfully. "And as well today, at 3-2, the last 20 minutes maybe I was missing a little bit..."

Emery was still assembling his thoughts when he reached the press room after a night of wild emotions, but this was a trademark Emery response. He would go on to explain how proud he was of his team, but his first thought was to start thinking how to reach even higher.

This attitude is the guiding principle Emery has expressed since the day he arrived. Whenever Villa appear to have taken a step forward - from their first move away from the fringe of the relegation battle into mid-table - he has immediately talked of pushing for the next one.

Why stop there? A leader like that was never going to be satisfied with entering the Champions League just to enjoy the music and a bit of duty-free shopping.

On a night when so many players performed with distinction, it was appropriate that John McGinn should play such a prominent role.

As an ever-more illustrious squad has assembled around him, he has sometimes spoken modestly about his own ability. But he should rest assured that there are thousands who will speak for him, and it was noticeable that even Paris St-German coach Luis Enrique seemed to single him out for particular congratulations amid the handshakes at the end of the game.

"It's himself," said Emery, when asked how he has coached McGinn to this standard. "He's doing every step forward we are trying to set... he is really a very important player as captain."

Emery and McGinn: two characters from entirely different football backgrounds, unified by the same explorer's spirit, to see where they can go next.

Depending on what happens in the next few weeks, there may be a moment when we say that in a way, this outcome was the most optimal in the long run. Leaving the competition at this point eases some of the workload pressure for a month that could be hugely consequential.

Today may not be the day to make that argument to Emery and his players – they will be feeling sore after coming so close, and no doubt mentally and physically tired.

But the taste of the biggest European competition will surely be as addictive for the players as it clearly is for their coach, and the strongest possible motivation.

Perhaps they proved something to themselves, as well as everyone else: that they are good enough not just to reach the Champions League, but to flourish in it.

Listen to full commentary of Aston Villa v Newcastle at 17:30 BST on Saturday on BBC Radio WM (95.6 FM/DAB/Freeview)

Tune into The West Midlands Football Phone-In from 18:00 on weeknights

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We asked for your views on Unai Emery's substitutions during Thursday's game against PSG, which included forward Marcus Rashford being withdrawn despite the side still needing another goal.

Here are some of your comments:

Chris: Coach made a poor decision. He should have practised having two strikers in a game when you are already down in aggregate scoring. He said they hadn't had the chance to do that.

David: Bringing on fresh legs made sense and if Rashford had moved out to the left he'd have needed to defend against Doue and Hakimi, risking us losing another goal (Ramsey was better able to do this). It was the right move, and I expected Watkins to have more of an impact - especially after his involvement at the weekend. In Unai, we trust.

Rob: Ian Maatsen was easily the best of the substitutes. Rashford, meanwhile, was immense while he was on the pitch. Unfortunately, after he was subbed off for Watkins, Ollie didn't get the service to have the impact we'd probably hoped for. If Rashford helps us finish in the top five in the Premier League this season, I'll be happy to see him stay at Villa after his loan ends.

Steven: It's a close call, but if you saw the impact Watkins had from the bench at Southampton the game before (immediate penalty and a great goal) - coupled with the strength of the PSG midfield which were still a threat - it makes more sense. Villa's success came from aerial balls over the midfield to runners in behind and turning the PSG defence. That is Ollie's game.

Peter: I wish people would stop moaning about how Emery is leading Villa. Just over two years ago we were only going one way - back to the Championship. In that short time he has taken us to fourth place in the Premier League, the quarter-finals of the Champions League and the semi-finals of the FA Cup. I rather suspect he knows what he is doing.

Doc: Was it the right decision? I don't think so! Did Emery have his reasons? You bet he did. Do I trust Unai? Without a doubt - look what he has done for us, and if it was a mistake, he has earned the right to make a few!

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Former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger says the feeling is "disappointment - but mainly pride" after his former side were knocked out the Champions League despite beating PSG on Tuesday.

Villa came from two goals down to lead the second-leg 3-2, but it wasn't to be enough, with PSG going through 5-4 on aggregate.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast about the club's exit from the competition, Hitzlsperger said: "They can be very, very proud having beaten this PSG side - who to me are one of the best teams in European football.

"I was really impressed by the second half performance, it was just a shame with the first-leg conceding that late goal and how they started yesterday - that proved PSG are such a good team.

"The feeling is disappointment but mainly pride."

Hitzlsperger, who made over 100 appearances for the club in the early 2000s says Villa have shown they now belong in the Champions League.

"Absolutely, they've surprised many football fans, they've won almost every single game at home in the Champions League," he said. "People who follow football and Unai Emery aren't surprised but it's where they want to be.

"They've proven it's where they belong, but the biggest challenge is to qualify again in the Premier League where there's so many teams challenging for it."

John Murray, who commentated on the game for 5 Live, thinks it has been a Champions League campaign to for Emery's side.

"Had it not been for Donnaruma we might have been reflecting on one of Villa's greatest nights," he said.

"Back in the competition for the first time since 1983, they've had a lot of fun and created some great memories. It's not time to sit back yet, because they've got a genuine, realistic chance of finishing in the top five.

"It's going to be very competitive, but they are right in it and they've got the FA Cup. There's a twin aim now, to finish in the top five and to win the FA Cup. If they do that it will be one of their most memorable seasons."

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Given how close they came to a dramatic Champions League comeback against Paris St-Germain, there could be a feeling that Aston Villa will find it difficult to bounce back after the effort and emotion exerted on Tuesday night.

It would be easy to get down after coming so near to a famous comeback and think of missed opportunities rather than look forward to the rest of the season.

But, I think such a performance gives far more positives than negatives as Unai Emery's side look to finish the season strongly and ensure they are back in the competition next season.

After conceding two disappointing early goals, there seemed a real possibility Villa could crumble and PSG could run away with the tie and show a real gap in quality between the teams.

However, Villa showed huge fight to force their way back into the game and prove they belong in the latter stages of the Champions League competing with Europe's top teams.

I don't think the decision to take Marcus Rashford off was the right one given his second-half performance. I would have bought Ollie Watkins on alongside him, or left Watkins on the bench to allow the momentum of the game to continue. But, Emery will have had his reasons and has done more than enough to be trusted and backed by all Villa fans.

With the added motivation of an FA Cup semi-final to look forward to, I don't think the PSG result will have any chance of derailing what could still be an amazing season.

In fact, I think the performance will give them the confidence to force their way back into the Champions League and the desire to try to go one better in 2025-26.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward

Marcus Rashford may not have scored himself against Paris St-Germain, but he provided the spark that almost led Aston Villa to one of the great Champions League comebacks.

Unai Emery's decision to replace him with Ollie Watkins in the 76th minute - rather than play them both together - is therefore causing much debate.

Rashford completed the most dribbles (four), had the most touches inside the opposition box (12), created the most chances (four) and produced the most crosses of any player on the pitch (nine).

Speaking to the Football Daily podcast, French football expert and PSG fan Julien Laurens said: "I was delighted when I saw Rashford's number come up on the board. I just didn't really understand it. I didn't think it made sense.

"When I saw Watkins getting ready I said to the guys with me: 'He [Emery] is going to go with a front two and we're going to suffer even more.'"

Statman Dave added: "When you look at the statistics, Marcus Rashford has been directly involved in five goals against PSG in the Champions League - two more than he's managed against any other side in the competition.

"I agree, he should have stayed on."

Rashford's loan spell at Villa Park comes with an option to buy for £40m.

With just over a month of the season remaining, he and the club have a decision to make over his future.

What did you make of the decision to withdraw Rashford on Tuesday, as well as Emery's other substitutions? And do you think the forward will be at Villa Park next season?

Let us know here

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We asked for your thoughts after Paris St-Germain knocked Aston Villa out of the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Here are some of your replies:

Ian: Wow! What a great performance from the Villa boys. I'm so proud of them. A brilliant second half and if it weren't for their goalkeeper, we would have definitely taken it to extra time and could have even won it. I think Ollie Watkins should have come on sooner but I cannot complain really. This is where we belong. In Unai, we trust. Keep the faith.

Matt: We had chances to win it but we just couldn't take enough of them. It was a massive second-half effort though. The Ezri Konsa header, the Youri Tielemans header, Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio's one on ones, and then Ian Maatsen at the death. As amazing as the effort was, that game is going to haunt me for a long time.

Guy: Oh Ezri, oh Ezri - Villa immortality awaited you. Head up, son, because you're one of the best central defenders in Europe and you should be proud of what you achieved. Now let's win the FA Cup.

Donovan: Fantastic. This is a team that isn't fully developed so there is plenty more to come. Next season is going to be exciting for everyone at the Villa, as long as we make the right gs. Rashford needs to stay at all costs.

Sat: Yes, there were mistakes and errors but this is no time for criticism. From all of the adversity, Villa were immense. I'm so proud of the fight and resilience shown. Most of all, thank you to Unai Emery and the team for a brilliant Champions League campaign.

Cheryl: So proud. That game could've gone either way. It says a lot that we are disappointed to not be in a Champions League semi-final... actually let that sink in!

Andy: I feel nothing but pride as a Villa fan. Just being in the Champions League was a 'pinch me' moment. We have gone unbeaten at home in the tournament and pushed PSG, who some are calling the best team in Europe right now, to a 5-4 aggregate score over two legs of a quarter-final. What progress from a side that was in the Championship not so long ago. The performances are breath-taking and something I never thought I'd see as a Villa fan.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Unai Emery has enjoyed too much success in Europe to listen to talk of glorious failure but, if there is such a thing, Aston Villa delivered it on a night of pure theatre at Villa Park.

Villa's Champions League odyssey ended with defeat by Paris St-Germain, but the manner in which they unnerved arguably the most impressive side in this season's competition demonstrated that they belonged in this elite company.

Everyone inside Villa Park would have had a bet against them as Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes put PSG 2-0 up inside the first half-hour.

But instead of subsiding, Villa rose to rattle PSG in a manner that was well beyond Manchester City and Liverpool in previous Champions League rounds this season.

The great comeback was just beyond Villa, but in the disappointment there was glory.

The task now is for Villa and Emery to ensure they are back on the Champions League stage next season because nights like this - and triumphs such as those against Bayern Munich earlier in the campaign - will have whetted the appetite and more.

Emery will also store away the knowledge and experience of this season, making it instantly clear he wants more, saying: "It is now most important to get Europe again. The most important competition is the Champions League.

"To get this level is the next step forward that I want to try to build with Aston Villa."

Villa left nothing out there at Villa Park in their quest to reach the semi-finals.

And Emery, who has made Europe his speciality, will want this to be just the start of Villa's Champions League experiences.

Aston Villa are making progress in talks with Rosenborg over a deal for 18-year-old Norwegian midfielder Sverre Halseth Nypan. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Aston Villa need to "bust a gut" to make sure they are playing in the Champions League again next season, says former striker Garry Thompson.

Unai Emery's side nearly staged a remarkable comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in their quarter-final second leg but fell just short, winning the game 3-2 but exiting the competition 5-4 on aggregate.

Villa's hopes of playing the Champions League again next season now rest on finishing in the top five of the Premier League, where they currently sit seventh.

Speaking on BBC Radio WM, Thompson said: "If your players are going to go out of the competition then you want them to go out as lions having given it a right go, you have to say that is exactly what the Villa players did.

"PSG is a side that could go on and win this competition and Aston Villa took them as far as humanely possible, they had a right go at them and I am so proud of these players.

"It has been a wonderful tournament, wonderful game of football and, if anything, this should just whet your appetite to say 'we have got to go again'.

"At the start of the season, you are looking at Villa in the champions League and hoping they might be able to get to the knock-outs. You are hoping but not really expecting them to and just hoping they can hold their own. They have shown from the off they are ready to have a go.

"The fans are so proud of their team and that is all you ever want, for them to leave everything on the pitch, to give everything they possibly can for the cause.

"We have to bust a gut the rest of the season now to make sure they are dining at the top table again because this the only place to play."

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Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, speaking to Amazon Prime: "I am very proud of everything. Getting to this level is the next step forward, I want to try to win with Aston Villa.

"We played two legs, we competed well and it wasn't even. Today we competed better and we were close to the result. I want to try to work for my next process at Aston Villa.

"The crowd was fantastic, they gave us energy, even at 2-0. Still, a little bit more to do better to try to get it.

"Every player at this level has a huge level to play and to try and be a protagonist. We were a protagonist as well with our skills. We were focused on our game plan.

"I was thinking only to play our game plan and be consistent. We were attacking and those transitions, they were clinical. We knew it. We tried to avoid transition and today we took the new game plan and were pushing more.

"It is now most important to get Europe again. The most important competition is the Champions League. The challenge we have for the last six matches is to try and get Europe and the Champions League.

On Marcus Rashford's future: "It is difficult to plan it now. He is feeling better and he played a fantastic match. We are very happy.

"If he is happy, we are happy. It depends on the circumstances for now and the next weeks."