Ezri Konsa is looking forward to what he expects to be a tough game at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening, as Aston Villa lock horns with Manchester City.
The Villans enter the clash within touching distance of the Champions League places, as they look to secure a second consecutive season in Europe’s elite competition.
Konsa, who is approaching six years in claret and blue, praised the transformation Unai Emery has overseen at the club, and believes Tuesday’s clash could prove a tactical battle between two top five contenders, and two elite coaches in Emery and Pep Guardiola.
The England defender said: “It’s going to be a tough game. I’m sure Unai will have a plan for Tuesday when we go away, and what we need to do.
“(Emery and Guardiola are) Both great managers, both won prestigious trophies in their careers.
“Unai has taken us to a whole new level. From when he first joined to where we are now, it’s been nothing short of special.
“Hopefully, long may that continue, and when we go to the Etihad on Tuesday, hopefully we can get a result.”
After a memorable first season back in the Champions League was ended last week despite a valiant second leg comeback against PSG in the quarter-finals, Konsa has called for the Villans to take positives into the remainder of the season.
The 27-year-old added: “I think we can all be proud of ourselves (after) what we managed to achieve in the Champions League this season.
“(We're) Disappointed that we didn’t quite make it, but very proud.
“Now I think we have to keep that standard up with the games we have left, and hopefully manage to qualify for the Champions League again.”
