Unai Emery believes Aston Villa should not be contenders to win the FA Cup ahead of facing Cardiff in the fifth round on Friday.
The Villans are only two games away from the semi-finals after dispatching Premier League rivals West Ham and Tottenham and look a strong bet to reach the latter stages after a favourable home draw against the Championship strugglers.
A number of big sides have already been sent packing in the tournament, too, with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea all losing in previous rounds.
But despite that, Emery, whose Villa side are battling for Europe, does not believe they are one of the stronger candidates to go all the way.
Ahead of the tie against the Bluebirds, Emery said: “We are not contenders. Why? Because there are other teams with more options than us to win this competition.
“It’s a way for a trophy and it’s a way for Europe. The winner is playing next year in the Europa League.
“We have three ways [to get into Europe]: Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. We are not contenders in FA Cup to win this trophy.
“To try to compete in this competition and to have a way for a trophy is very important. And then prestige. Every player, the club, the coaches – everybody would like one way trying to get prestige as well.”
🗣️ On our opponents: “Firstly, we have respect for the competition. Secondly, we respect every team that is competing in this round. Of course, Cardiff is a Championship team, but we have our own experiences two years ago with Stevenage for example.” pic.twitter.com/wbxHlBrplL
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 27, 2025
Emery calls for consistency
Villa’s inconsistent season is perhaps summed up perfectly from their last three games, having impressed in a draw against Liverpool and win over Chelsea, before they were smashed 4-1 by Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
They have been more impressive in the FA Cup after shining in wins over West Ham and Spurs.
Emery added: “We are being consistent in this competition this year. At home against West Ham and Tottenham we played a great two matches and we won.
“Tomorrow is another opportunity to keep being consistent. Our demands are in different ways, individually and collectively, to get confidence, get comfortable, try to transmit to our supporters our wishes in this competition.
“We are not contenders, but in case we can continue in this competition we are going to be closer to competing for something important.”
Emery keen to avoid upset
On Friday’s opponents, he added: “Firstly, we have respect for the competition. Secondly, we respect every team that is competing in this round.
“Of course, Cardiff is a Championship team, but we have our own experiences two years ago with Stevenage for example. We weren’t being successful last year and two years ago.
“We are playing at home in Villa Park and we have to feel strong. To be consistent is our challenge.”
Aston Villa FA Cup team news
Emery said Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Martinez are doubts for the Cardiff game, with Mings missing the game at Palace before their star keeper was withdrawn at half-time.
On the fitness of the rest of his squad, Emery added: “Barkley is not for tomorrow. Onana, doubt. Kamara, doubt. They are close to coming back, but we will see this afternoon.
“Malen, he is sick, but hopefully he can recover for tomorrow. Being sick is different, but it depends.
“More or less, this is the news about the players, how we will be tomorrow.”