Players 'feel comfortable now with the new demands'

Unai Emery says he is "very grateful" to the club's owners who continue to support him and his vision.

The Aston Villa boss recently extended his contract until 2027 and told the media he "is very happy" and "motivated" to continue his progress at the club.

Villa were 16th in the Premier League and fighting relegation when the Spaniard took over from Steven Gerrard in November 2022.

"My objective is always to develop myself as a coach and the people around me," said Emery. "We do not have the availability to spend a lot of money, but we have tried to be intelligent and we have always been positive.

"I am very grateful because the club are supporting me a lot.

"We are realistic with the work we have to do. It was about increasing the confidence levels of the players and they have done that. They feel comfortable now with the new demands that we are trying to push on to them."

Last season, Emery guided Villa to seventh in the table and Europa Conference League qualification and this season they sit fourth in the Premier League with the Champions League in their sights.

But a top-four finish was not his main aim at the beginning of the season.

"It was to be consistent across 38 matches and to focus," added Emery. "Even when we lost our first match [against Newcastle], we were focused on the next match with the same idea and mentality.

"My objective was to learn. This is the process and the team are getting better in this area."