Unai Emery has emphasized the significant financial boost that Champions League qualification would provide Aston Villa, while reaffirming that the club’s primary goal remains to compete in European tournaments, regardless of the tier.
Last season, Villa reached the Champions League quarter-finals, earning approximately £73 million in UEFA prize money. However, they narrowly missed out on a return to the competition this season, losing their spot on goal difference after a final-day defeat to Manchester United.
This season, Aston Villa is targeting the Europa League trophy to end their trophy drought, though the financial rewards are notably smaller — around £26 million for the Europa League winners compared to the Champions League prize money.
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Villa’s financial constraints have been well documented. Their spending limit is closely tied to revenue, which remains far lower than some Premier League rivals who benefit from vast commercial and broadcast incomes. This restricts Villa’s ability to compete in the transfer market.
On Wednesday night, Villa will face Chelsea, another contender for a Champions League spot. Victory could see Villa extend their lead over the Blues to nine points, but recent setbacks, including a loss to Wolves, have narrowed the top-five gap to just three points.
Reflecting on recent progress, Emery said, “On day 28 four years ago, we had 41 points, three years ago, 55, last year it was 44 points, this year it’s 51 points. Now we are in the last matches with bad results. I wanted to get more points than two years ago. We are in the average [on target]—my work is to try and be in Europe again.”
He continued, “Yes, of course, the Champions League is very important for revenue. This is my responsibility too — the revenue and prestige are better in the Champions League. The objective of getting higher through Champions League is better. For other teams, Champions League revenue is essential, and it is necessary for them to play in it.
“For us, it is about closing the gap with those teams. Our revenue improves when playing in Europe, and hopefully this will happen through the Champions League.
“The club is making a huge effort to increase revenue, including work to expand Villa Park’s capacity. We are all working hard to improve across all areas, but there is still time to do so.”