'It's mad' - Matty Cash explains why Aston Villa boss Unai Emery 'gives massive confidence' ahead of Club Brugge clash

Aston Villa are on the verge of qualifying for their first European quarter-final in over 40 years, and Matty Cash believes that manager Unai Emery and his experience are responsible for the "massive confidence" flowing through the side. Villa welcome Club Brugge to Villa Park with a 3-1 lead on aggregate after a huge win away in the first leg, and have one foot already into the next round.

‘So clever’ Emery almost knows what’s going to happen in games - Cash

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Aston Villa's Matty Cash lauded manager Unai Emery, saying his passion and demanding nature gives the side "massive confidence" ahead of a huge game against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Villa head into the second leg of their last-16 tie against the Belgians with the advantage after a 3-1 away win last week.

With control on aggregate, Emery's side are one step away from a first European quarter-final in over 40 years.

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The Spaniard is clearly held in great esteem by his players after turning the squad from relegation candidates to European contenders.

"He's very passionate," Cash grinned. "And he's very demanding with us. I've never had a manager who is so demanding and his mentality is so good.

"I've said before, he almost knows what's gonna happen in games, and he plans, shows us video of where we're gonna have the ball in different positions, works on it."

And as a record four-time UEFA Europa League winner, his unique experience is imbuing the squad with belief.

"He's just so clever, it's mad the knowledge he has. And that just comes from experience at managing at the top level for years.

"For us boys to have a manager like that with that experience to go into these games, it gives us massive confidence."

Highlights: Aston Villa strike late twice to seal crucial win at Club Brugge

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Villa will be bolstered by the return of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and winger Marco Asensio, who are both available after missing Saturday's 1-0 win over Brentford.

"Today on the pitch [in training] he was demanding. He made sure we were all on it," Cash added.

"We can go full out tomorrow [Wednesday]. We can leave everything out on the pitch and hopefully, at the end of the game, Villa Park will be bouncing, there will be a few songs singing. I'm looking forward to it."

‘We’re strong at Villa Park’ – Cash ‘looking forward’ to second leg after win in Brugge

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"I was training this morning and I was just thinking I'm excited for it," continued the defender. "When you're there, and it's close to it and that buzz is around the place, to play in a Champions League game is always fantastic.

"As players, we have to thrive and relish the chance to play in them."

Should they stave off Club Brugge at Villa Park - far from a given based on the demolition job they inflicted on Atalanta at their home - Villa will be met with Paris-Saint Germain, who beat Liverpool on penalties.

But for Cash and Emery, the focus is on winning, no matter who they face.

"We've got to get the job done. It sounds cliche, but you've just got to focus on the next game, and that's to win the game."

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