Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery believes his side are well-positioned to challenge for a Champions League return next season but insists it would be unfair to label the campaign a disappointment if they fall short.

Villa secured European football for a third consecutive season following a 1-0 win at Bournemouth on Saturday evening, thanks to a first-half strike from Ollie Watkins.

While the result guarantees a top-seven finish in the Premier League, Villa must end the season in fifth place or higher to qualify for the Champions League — their ultimate ambition. Their fate hinges on upcoming clashes with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

Emery: "Playing in Europe is Fantastic"

“To play in Europe is very fantastic and is very difficult through the Premier League,” Emery told reporters.

“We still have points to play for and we are going to push other teams, but Champions League qualification is not in our hands.

“Of course, if we keep winning, our chances will increase.

“However, we will not be disappointed if we do not qualify for the Champions League. That would not be fair to the players, the supporters, or Aston Villa as a club.

“Playing in Europe at all is something very special.”

Villa Continue Their European Journey

This season, Villa reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, reaffirming their credentials on the European stage. Emery praised the club’s progress and underlined the excitement surrounding their European adventure.

“We have reached Europe again, and I deeply appreciate that,” he said. “To compete in Europe and in the Premier League at the same time is a fantastic experience.

“Over these two years, we’ve played in the Europa Conference League and now the Champions League. It has been a special journey for our supporters.

“We were very motivated, excited, and we truly enjoyed the process.

“To play in Europe again next season means more work and greater demands — but the club, the owners, and everyone involved understands the path we’re on. It’s about developing, raising expectations, and becoming consistent at this level. That is the challenge I face.”

Bournemouth’s Season Not Over Yet

Despite the defeat, Bournemouth captain Adam Smith maintained that his team’s campaign is far from finished. Smith, who made his 400th appearance for the club on Saturday, said the squad is still aiming high with two matches remaining.

“The dressing room was a disappointed place, but the season isn’t over,” he told the club’s official website.

“We’ve still got two games to go. A top-eight finish is now out of our hands, but we’ll give our all and see what happens.

“We’ve still got hope. If the results go our way and we take six points, you never know where that might take us.”

Currently in 10th place, Bournemouth sit two points behind Brentford and Brighton. Their final fixtures include a visit to Manchester City and a home clash against already-relegated Leicester City.