Ezri Konsa believes Aston Villa’s dream double is on.
As Unai Emery ’s men prepared for their ‘big’ tie against Ajax, the centre-half rapped out the message that winning the Europa Conference League and qualifying for the Champions League is a realistic target. Villa have travelled to Amsterdam as favourites to progress and, with a crunch home clash against Spurs to look forward to upon their return, this week will be pivotal if their ambitions are to be met.
Konsa said: “We know this is an opportunity to win a trophy and from the beginning of the season, or even since the boss joined, that is what he wanted to do. He wants to win a trophy with us and that’s what we’re trying to do now.
“The mentality he has implemented has really paid off and we are showing it. We’ve had a lot of setbacks in our squad but it has not ruined our form or position in the league.
“No matter who is playing, everyone knows their roles so they are confident when they do get the chance. We all have the mentality of wanting to win every single game and we are showing it - no matter how small our squad is.”
Konsa did concede, however, that the fixture held plenty of appeal. He said: “No disrespect to the teams we have already played but Ajax’s history in European football speaks for itself.
“These are the kind of teams we want to play against, these are the kind of teams we want to test ourselves against. Everyone is excited to play against such an historic club.
“When you’re young you watch the Champions League and see Ajax competing in that and doing well. They still have a lot of top players - Jordan Henderson is one of them - so we have to go there with the mentality of not being complacent and not worrying about their position in the league.
“We know they are a threat no matter where they are in their league. European football is different.”
Emery has spoken often about the ‘no excuse’ culture he has implemented at Villa Park and Konsa, who was called up to join Gareth Southgate ’s England squad last year, said that if the players maintain their focus, it will turn out to be a successful campaign.
He added: “We’ve got into this position because we have taken it slowly and not looked too far ahead, or been complacent. As players we have individual targets and group targets. But we’re not getting too excited.
“We’re not looking at the table after every game we play. If we keep doing what we are doing, then I am sure at the end of the season everyone will be happy.”
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