John McGinn, the captain of Aston Villa, stated that the upcoming game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday is the most crucial league match in the team’s recent past.
Villa secured a win in the Premier League, placing them in fourth position. This would increase their lead over fifth place, Tottenham, to eight points with 10 games remaining (although Tottenham has played one game less). Villa’s McGinn, who joined the team in 2018, acknowledged the importance of the upcoming match against Tottenham. A fourth place finish would ensure Villa’s participation in the Champions League, a tournament they have not competed in since 1982-83.
McGinn stated that this upcoming match is likely the most crucial one for our club in recent times. Our players are well aware of this and if I sense that they need a reminder, I will provide one in the next few days.
The fans will be highly motivated and we must keep in mind that Tottenham will be as well. We were fortunate to escape with a win at Tottenham’s stadium [when Villa won 2-1 in November]. They are a very capable team whom we will show full respect to. However, we are aware that Villa Park is our stronghold and we aim to secure a victory with three points.
Villa’s performance at home this season has been outstanding, with only two league losses. They are now preparing to face Spurs, just three days after a 0-0 draw against Ajax in Amsterdam for the Europa Conference League last-16 first-leg. According to McGinn, the Villa players have openly expressed their desire to qualify for Europe’s top tournament, which they won in 1982, after finishing seventh in the previous season.
“We’ve discussed it and we have high aspirations,” stated the Scottish midfielder. “We are determined to achieve something that the club hasn’t accomplished in quite some time. Our goal since last year has been to progress and be competitive in this tournament, which we have successfully done thus far. The manager has emphasized that he will evaluate the season after gameweek 32 to assess our progress.”
“We have a goal to enhance our performance, qualify for the Europa League, and potentially aim for a spot in the Champions League. We are fully aware that it is up to us and we have some exciting matches ahead. Many of us have been with the club throughout its journey, so we have experienced both the setbacks and the future successes that are yet to come.”
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There is uncertainty surrounding the participation of Villa’s midfielder Jacob Ramsey due to a foot injury sustained during last week’s win over Luton. However, defender Pau Torres is cleared to play, despite being substituted at half-time in the Amsterdam match to oversee his physical condition.
Source: theguardian.com
