Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne has delivered a strong message of intent ahead of a crucial period in the club’s season, insisting that their priority in the Europa League is clear — to go all the way and lift the trophy.
The French international, speaking ahead of Villa’s semi-final clash, emphasised that despite the club’s strong push for Champions League qualification in the Premier League, their European campaign remains a major focus. Under the guidance of Unai Emery, a coach renowned for his success in the competition, Villa are approaching the latter stages of the Europa League with confidence and ambition.
Digne made it clear that the squad sees the tournament as a genuine opportunity to secure silverware and create a memorable chapter in the club’s history. He highlighted the importance of delivering success for the supporters, noting that winning a European trophy would be a significant achievement for everyone connected to the club.
While the Europa League presents a major opportunity, Villa’s domestic ambitions remain equally important. The club is currently competing at the top end of the Premier League table, with a place in next season’s Champions League still within reach. Digne acknowledged the difficulty of securing qualification in what he described as one of the most competitive leagues in world football, where even top clubs can miss out.
Drawing from his own experience of playing in elite European competitions, Digne underlined the value of Champions League football, both in terms of prestige and the opportunities it brings. However, he stressed that Villa are fully focused on managing both objectives as they enter the decisive final stretch of the campaign.
Encouragingly for Villa fans, Digne also expressed confidence in his physical condition, stating that he feels at his peak despite the demands of a long season. He spoke positively about the intensity of this stage of the campaign, describing it as the type of challenge players thrive on, with every match carrying significant importance.
As Aston Villa continue to compete on multiple fronts, the message from within the squad is one of determination and belief — with both European glory and Champions League qualification firmly in their sights.
