Villa would appear to have the perfect man at their helm in the form of Unai Emery. The former Sevilla, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain boss has won the Europa League a record four times – with his last success being enjoyed with Villarreal in 2021.
He has said of chasing down a fifth crown: “We have clear objectives in this competition to be a contender for a trophy. [We want] To be a contender in case we need this trophy to play in the Champions League. Through our league [it] is very difficult. I am dreaming to be here getting trophies and the Europa is one objective we have this year.”
Forest boss Pereira has also spoken of his desire to replicate the “miracles” that Clough once delivered at Forest. The Portuguese has told TNT Sports: “I accepted the job because I believe that this club has big potential. When I look at the supporters, I can see the passion. When I look at the players, I can see talent. They just need to feel confident, to believe in themselves, to believe in the work that we are doing together. And this is the future. I’m very positive about the future.
“Of course, you have individual things to achieve. You have your ambition, individual ambition. But it’s important that your ambition is aligned with the ambition of the club, with the group. And with creating the good energy. The good energy, a smile. I believe that with a smile, we can open, we can do miracles.”