Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has told his squad that they must raise their performance levels after their winning start in the UEFA Champions League was halted by Barcelona. The English side fell to their first defeat of the European campaign against the Spanish heavyweights.
Speaking after the encounter, Emery warned his players that competing at the highest level of European football requires complete focus. According to LiveScore, the Spanish tactician stated that the squad must be more demanding of themselves going forward after facing a tough reality check on the pitch.
The loss brought an end to Villa's perfect start in the competition. Before the fixture, the Birmingham-based outfit had enjoyed a fine run of form in Europe, winning their opening fixtures to place themselves in a strong position on the table.
Villa returned to Europe's elite club tournament after securing a top-four finish in the Premier League during the 2023–24 season. Emery, who took charge of the club in October 2022, is widely known across the continent for his extensive European pedigree, having won the UEFA Europa League multiple times with Sevilla and Villarreal.
The defeat against Barcelona marks Villa's first setback on the European stage this season. Emery's men will now turn their focus back to their domestic responsibilities as they look to correct their mistakes and prepare for their remaining group fixtures.
