Emery Targets Home Revival as Aston Villa Face Fenerbahce

Posted : 13 October 2026

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has urged his players to turn their fortunes around at Villa Park when they welcome Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Premier League side have struggled to reproduce their usual home strength this season, recording two defeats and a draw in their opening three matches at the stadium.

Strong performances at Villa Park have previously played an important role in the club's progress under Emery, helping the 1982 European champions return to the Champions League for the second time in three seasons. However, their failure to secure a home victory so far has become a concern as they seek to establish themselves among Europe's leading clubs.

The stadium's current condition could also be contributing to the challenge. Villa Park is undergoing renovation work ahead of Euro 2028, with the North Stand temporarily out of use and the wider venue affected by construction. The reduced capacity and disruption have created a different atmosphere from the one Villa have traditionally enjoyed on home soil.

Speaking ahead of the match, Emery acknowledged that his team still needed to improve despite ongoing work on the training ground. He explained that the coaching staff had been using team meetings, video analysis and additional training sessions to address weaknesses and translate those improvements into better performances during matches.

The Spanish manager views the encounter with Fenerbahce as an opportunity for Villa to make progress, regain confidence and restore their home advantage. He stressed the importance of rebuilding the special atmosphere that has made Villa Park a difficult venue for visiting teams during his time at the club.

Villa's preparations have also been disrupted by injuries, with left-back Matteo Ruggeri expected to miss more than a month after suffering a hamstring problem during the recent 2-2 draw with Brentford. His absence leaves Emery needing alternative options, particularly as Ian Maatsen is also unavailable.

Emery acknowledged that the coaching staff must find a workable solution to the shortage of left-backs while continuing to improve the team's performances. The manager remains focused on ensuring his available players are prepared to meet the demands of the Champions League fixture.

Villa will be hoping that a strong performance against Fenerbahce can end their frustrating home run and restore belief among the players and supporters. For Emery, the match represents an opportunity to turn Villa Park back into the fortress it became during his earlier seasons in charge.

Emery Targets Home Revival as Aston Villa Face Fenerbahce

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