Aston Villa may still have a long road ahead to challenge for the Premier League title, but the team is making steady strides under manager Unai Emery. Former Aston Villa and Celtic captain Stiliyan Petrov shared his insights on the club’s progress during an exclusive interview with Football365, emphasizing the importance of consistency and strategic growth for Villa to reach the pinnacle of English football.
Discussing Villa’s current trajectory, Petrov acknowledged the challenges of breaking into the Premier League’s elite. “It’s tough,” he explained. “The champions—whether it’s Manchester City, Liverpool, or Arsenal—rarely lose more than five games a season. That level of consistency is what Villa must aim for.” He noted that the gap between Villa and the top teams remains significant but expressed optimism about the club’s direction.
Petrov highlighted the crucial steps Villa must take to close that gap, including increasing financial investment, attracting top talent, and developing long-term consistency. “This season is particularly important,” he stated. “It’s about proving that Villa can compete at the highest level. With ambitious owners and a clear vision, they have the potential to achieve great things in the future.”
A key factor in Villa’s development, according to Petrov, is the trust and authority the club has placed in Unai Emery. Drawing from Emery’s success at Villarreal and now at Villa, Petrov praised the manager’s ability to shape the team’s vision and strategy. “Not many clubs give managers the level of control Emery has,” Petrov observed. “At Villa, he’s been entrusted with decisions on signings, style of play, and the club’s overall direction. It’s clear he knows what he’s doing, and the results are beginning to show.”
While Villa’s ambitions may seem distant now, Petrov is confident that the foundations are being laid for long-term success. “The journey to becoming champions won’t happen overnight,” he concluded. “But with the right leadership, consistency, and ambition, Aston Villa can eventually bridge the gap and compete for the top honors.”