By Daily Sports on May 9, 2019

The Europa League has become an “attractive” tournament everyone wants to win, says Arsenal boss Unai Emery.

Emery’s side hold a 3-1 advantage over Valencia after the first leg of their semi-final with the second leg taking place in Spain on Thursday.

The Spaniard won the trophy three times as Sevilla boss and says the incentive of a Champions League spot for the winners has improved the tournament.

“It’s an attractive title and it’s getting more attractive,” said Emery.

“I first competed for this title when it was still the Uefa Cup and was a lesser title than it is now.

“It has grown and I have seen that shift. Giving teams a Champions League place through the Europa League is a fair reward and it’s a title they all want to win.

“It’s an important title for those teams not in the Champions League – and for some who drop into it as a second chance, like Valencia did this season.”

Emery managed Valencia from 2008 to 2012 and then won the Europa League in 2014, 2015 and 2016 while in charge of Sevilla.

“The first time I won it with Sevilla, we didn’t get Champions League access; the second time, we did,” said the 47-year-old in his first season as Arsenal boss.

“The demands are high and everyone wants it, as a title, not just a way in [to the Champions League]. At any club like Arsenal or Valencia, titles have to be the objectives.

“Arsenal only have two European titles in their history: the old Fairs Cup and the Cup Winners’ Cup, neither of which [still] exist, so I have a lot of ambition to win a title.”

Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at home against Brighton on Sunday all but ended their hopes of finishing in the Premier League’s top four.

“We started with two possible routes to the Champions League, one through the Premier League and the second through the Europa League,” added Emery (BBC)

•Photo shows Unai Emery

Source Daily Sports

Posted May 9, 2019

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