A picture of Unai Emery's dressing room notes has emerged online ahead of Thursday night's Europa Conference League clash between Aston Villa and Olympiacos.
The Villains are on the verge of securing Champions League football after a season to remember under Emery, who has helped transform the club's fortunes since his appointment in October 2022.
As well as their fine form in the league, Villa are also one of the favourites to lift this season's Europa Conference League as they head into a first European semi-final for 42 years.
After wins over Ajax and Lille in recent weeks, Emery will be hoping to make a statement against Olympiakos – just like they did against Bournemouth last month, when they came from behind at Villa Park.
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In fact, ahead of Thursday night's clash with the Greek outfit, a picture of Emery's dressing room notes from that victory over Bournemouth emerged ahead of kick-off.
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As you can see from the picture above, Emery identifies how the team can go forward and win. "Keep being consistent, impose our game play, play personality and be focused," he writes.
The Spaniard also uses words like "smart", "intelligent" and "energy" when discussing teamwork, and mentions the game plan and mentality needed to succeed.
Something the former Arsenal manager has also become renowned for is showing respect for their opponent. Again, he uses that word "respect" alongside the word opponent above.
In fact, in his programme notes for the semi-final clash against Olympiakos, Emery gave an insight into his mindset.
"The first step, in my experience to be a winner, is to respect the opponent. We must be a humble giant," he said.
"Last year we celebrated with a great party that we finished seventh. And now we are aiming for the fourth position, having as a normal assumption that our Europa League qualification is done."
He added: "The fast upgrade has come to Villa thanks to the hard work of the players and staff, with you, the fans, delivering the best support. But this is football and all of us - myself included - we want the giant awake and conquering.
"We want to get better as fast as we can. But I remind myself that we must be enjoying these precious moments, but never be frustrated or negative. The project just started.
"Enjoy the way. Forty-two years ago, you and your parents and grandparents dreamt together with a European final. Many young Villa fans never saw nights like this. But they always kept the faith. Let’s do it again for us and for them."
Topics: Aston Villa, Unai Emery, Premier League, Europa Conference League, Spain
Jack Kenmare