Douglas Luiz urges Aston Villa to produce comeback in 'crazy' atmosphere - ‘We need to believe’

Douglas Luiz says Aston Villa “need to believe” as they look to overturn a two-goal deficit against Olympiacos in the Europa Conference League semi-finals, but expects a “crazy” atmosphere in Greece.

Villa suffered a stunning 4-2 defeat in the first leg at Villa Park last week and have it all to do in Piraeus on Thursday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Luiz had a particularly eventful night in the first leg, conceding a converted penalty before missing one of his own late on.

But speaking exclusively to TNT Sports, the Brazilian remained upbeat about his team’s chances.

“I’m not really happy because I don’t think I had a good game and I lost the penalty. But we need to (keep our) heads up, tomorrow is another day, another game,” he said.

“We’re two goals behind Olympiacos, but I think we can come back. We are such a good team, we’re so confident and we have such a good coach. We need to believe.”

Luiz was in touch with his fellow Brazilian, Olympiacos right-back Rodinei, who told him what to expect at the Karaiskakis Stadium.

With a place in a home final in Athens against Fiorentina at stake for the hosts, Luiz is expecting a raucous reception.

“Olympiacos are a good team. For me it was not a surprise because we’ve seen the videos and watched them,” Luiz said.

“I have a friend here, Rodinei, and he was telling me about how the team play – he’s not giving me their plan – but I know their fans help the team so much.”

He added: “I think it will be crazy tomorrow, but I’ve never played here. I hope tomorrow I can go on the pitch and play my football. Rodinei told me the fans are crazy and I hope tomorrow it’s a good atmosphere.”

One factor Luiz believes Villa have in their favour is their manager, three-time Europa League winner Unai Emery.

The former Sevilla, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal boss has led Villa to the brink of Champions League qualification and they are now aiming to reach their first major European final in 42 years.

“He’s always speaking about mentality. He’s so strong,” Luiz said.

“For me he’s the best gaffer I’ve had in my life. He’s helped us so much.”

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