Unai Emery: Aston Villa have 50-50 chance to lift Europa League trophy

More than 10,000 Villa supporters are expected to descend on the Turkish city to cheer on their team, who are chasing a first major trophy in 30 years. Emery and his players are hoping to recreate the glory of the club's European Cup-winning side from 44 years ago.

Villa's squad arrived in Turkey on Monday evening and will train at the 42,000-capacity Tupras Stadium on Tuesday ahead of the eagerly anticipated encounter.

Although Aston Villa have been installed as favourites by bookmakers, Emery insisted the contest remains too close to call. The Spaniard labelled the clash "50-50" and warned against underestimating their Bundesliga opponents.

Emery also challenged his players to rise to the occasion on a stage that will be watched across the football world.

"Freiburg as well, they deserve to play this final because they performed fantastically and they did a fantastic way to reach this final," said Emery.

"To play this final is something both teams deserve, and now it's 50-50. It's a day when we are going to be the focus of the football world.

"My experience is the most important here with Aston Villa.

"With the players we have, with the process we did, and our own experiences are always in our mind when we are playing matches in Europe - like we have for three years now.

"Now it's the same, how we achieved this final, how we did the process here, this year, playing such fantastic matches in Europe, and achieving this final because we deserve it.

"But to play for a trophy is very difficult, and to win a trophy is 50-50 for us. There is still a lot of work to do for Wednesday."

The Villa manager is already the most successful coach in Europa League history and is now pursuing a fifth title in the competition. 

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