Daniel (Aston Villa supporter): “I’m approaching this match against LOSC calmly”

Towards Birmingham, Europe is already back to LOSC who will face Aston Villa this Thursday. To introduce this meeting, Le Petit Lillois went to meet Daniel, a supporter of the English club.

This Thursday, around nine in the afternoon, LOSC will meet face to face with Aston Villa in the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League. On this occasion, we met with Daniel, an English supporter of Aston Villa, to discuss the upcoming meeting and discover the appearance of the English side.

How long have you been following Aston Villa and why?

I’ve been an Aston Villa supporter since I was a kid, so almost 35 years. I live in Birmingham so naturally that’s the club I’ve been interested in.

How strong have Aston Villa been over the last few months/years in terms of results?

In the last few years, we have had a very good project that has been built for several seasons. We are also reaching the end of the construction phase. Aston Villa had a fantastic season last year with a historic qualification in the UECL. And it continues this season with this 5th position at the moment but above all a very interesting game.

How would you rate Aston Villa’s current season?

It is historical. After years of dancing under the table, then with a soft stomach, we can finally show ourselves. At the moment we are in fifth place and we even manage to compete with the giants by fighting directly. The titles are a long way off but we are very proud of our team.

Aston Villa are considered to be big favorites in the competition. Do you agree with this and why?

I am usually very humble by nature but I understand the situation. We are in fifth place in the Premier League and above all we are producing a very good game, we have the ability to compete with the big teams in the Premier League who are still in the Champions League so I understand.

Could a match against Arsenal change the balance of power in the doubleheader?

I don’t think so. It is definitely an important match but we have a squad built to play at several tables. After this sequence, we will have more time to relax and move around. So I don’t think it will have an impact on our performance against Lille.

What are the team’s strengths/weaknesses this season?

We have an attack-oriented game with strong people who carry the team and who care about stability. We have pillars that make the team work and carry others up. Unai Emery’s tactics are well thought out and based on offense and possession.

Who is the key player at Aston Villa?

I would say Ollie Watkins. He has scored goal after goal since the start of this season and is the most decisive player in the Premier League with the most assists as well as his goals. He is very important and has an instinct to score goals.

What game does Aston Villa play in the European Cup?

As I said, it is an offensive game, especially in the European Cup. We had opponents within our power until then so it allowed us to unfold and rotate, which led to a defeat against Legia Warsaw in the group stage.

How do you approach a meeting?

I approach calmly. At home, we should be fine. I think we will try to score as many goals as possible to be calm away from home as it can be difficult.

Do you know how the meeting is handled in England? How do they see it?

In the UK, some are still wary of LOSC. Chelsea fans keep the remnants of the Champions League. We know they are a good team and we expect a strong opposition.

What do you think the keys to the conference will be?

I think Aston Villa will have control of the ball. Lille must not reveal itself or it can be very damaging, especially in transition phases and in space.

Conference forecast?

At home, sorry to you, but I see 2 or 3 – 0 to Aston Villa.