Aston Villa boss Emery: ‘Great respect for Bologna’; Cash: ‘It won’t be easy’

Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery and defender Matty Cash faced the media on Wednesday evening ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg at the Renato Dall’Ara, with both manager and player showing considerable respect for a Bologna side they have faced before, and know better than to underestimate.

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Emery arrived in Bologna with his squad boosted by the returns of John McGinn and Youri Tielemans from injury, providing additional options for a tie the Spaniard described as one of the most difficult Villa could face at this stage of the competition.

The extended break following the international window has been used productively, though Emery acknowledged the challenge of resetting players mentally after time away with their national teams.

Jadon Sancho remains sidelined and will not feature, with the manager hopeful of his return within a fortnight.

Bologna vs Aston Villa – Emery: ‘Bologna aggressive, great respect for them’

On Bologna themselves, the Aston Villa coach’s admiration was genuine and detailed.

“They beat Roma and Vincenzo Italiano has played three finals in the last three years,” he said, via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“He is very good in knockout matches, he reached two European finals with Fiorentina and won the Coppa Italia. I have great respect for Bologna and I know very well what the difficulties will be.”

He also credited the continuity of the club’s footballing identity, noting that quality football has been a constant at the Dall’Ara from the Thiago Motta era through to the present day.

On the tactical challenge of facing Bologna’s aggressive man-marking system, Emery was pragmatic.

“In Italy many teams play this way, Atalanta were among the first,” he said. “It will be very important for us to adapt to their aggression while maintaining our own style. The qualification chances are 50-50. We must be resilient when they press us and patient when we don’t have the ball.”

Cash, speaking separately, offered a more concise but equally respectful assessment. The Polish international noted his personal connection to the opposition, having spoken with his compatriot Skorupski despite the goalkeeper’s injury absence.

“They are an excellent team, after we beat them they did not lose again,” Cash said, via TMW. “So it will not be easy.”

His message for the tie itself was straightforward. “There are 180 minutes and anything can happen. Our objective is to win and put ourselves in an advantageous position for the second leg.”