Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, speaking to Sky Sports: "Fantastic, today the match was very important for us because the the priority was the Premier League. We faced Liverpool and tested ourselves. It was a tough match in the first half but the second half was fantastic. I am grateful for the supporters. Champions League, this is something amazing."
On playing in multiple competitions: "To compete in both competitions and being consistent is not easy, we had fantastic season in the Premier League. I am so proud.
On the season: "We try to be demanding in both competitions and we are very serious preparing for games, knowing the difficulties. We started poor in the Premier League, the second part of the season, we lost lots at home but we did it. Before the match I was worried about the level we had to play at but I am so happy at how we did it.
On the Europa League final: "Now we focus on final. We have to focus 100%, be ready. To play finals is very difficult. We are going to enjoy it."
Villa captain John McGinn speaking to Sky Sports: "We had to get over line, we've lost the last few league performances."
On being confident: "We need to be. How can you not be. It allows us to be excited and enjoy Wednesday properly."
On Ollie Watkins: "I wish he was Scottish. He was obviously disappointed in March but if it gave him a kick up the backside he's certainly responded in the best way. We're so fortunate to have him, what he's done for this club the past few seasons has been incredible. I think he may have just snuck his way on to that plane. Hopefully he can carry that into next week."
On the Europa League Final: "The supporters have got to enjoy it. We're slight favourites but in finals anything can happen. We've got to stay focused. It's what you dream of when you're young. You've got to enjoy it but have fun."
Did you know?
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Unai Emery is the first manager to qualify Aston Villa for the European Cup/UEFA Champions League in two different seasons.
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Emery picked up his 600th win as a manager tonight with 107 of those coming with Aston Villa, his joint-most victories at one club (also 107 with Valenica).
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Ollie Watkins has been directly involved in more goals than any other Englishman has across all competitions this season for a Premier League club (24 – 19 goals, 5 assists), one more than teammate Morgan Rogers (23 – 13 goals, 10 assists).
